Number of vehicles requiring airbag replacement "massive" after recalls

The current legal framework in Cyprus does not provide for Mazda Demio vehicles to be immobilized after they were recalled for defective TAKATA airbags, the Director of the of the Road Transport Department (RTD) George Louca, told CNA. However, he noted that a new legislative proposal set to be voted on Thursday, includes provisions for automatically suspending roadworthiness certificates for vehicles with serious recall risks.

The Department of Road Transport (RTD) has announced a recall of Mazda Demio vehicles imported as used cars from non-EU countries, requiring the replacement of defective TAKATA airbags on the passenger side.

According to RTD, information provided by Geo Pavlides Automotive, the Mazda distributor in Cyprus, indicates that Mazda Demio vehicles without European type approval—imported as used cars from non-EU countries and listed on TOM’s website—are subject to a recall for the replacement of the passenger-side TAKATA airbags.

Responding to questions from CNA, Louca highlighted the "massive volume" of affected vehicles. It is estimated that approximately 11,000 vehicles imported from non-EU countries, require replacement of airbags.

Commenting on the proactive response of Geo Pavlides Automotive, the local Mazda distributor, Louca noted that RTD had requested all automotive representatives in Cyprus to report any recalls for both new and imported vehicles. Louca said that Geo Pavlides Automotive promptly collaborated with the manufacturer and provided the necessary data, which RTD has since published online.

“This is a significant number of vehicles, so we need to allow time for the company to establish the necessary infrastructure to manage the process and assist vehicle owners,” he explained.

Currently, the absence of specific provisions in the law means affected vehicles can still operate. If new legislation is approved on Thursday, vehicles posing serious safety risks will have their roadworthiness certificates suspended, effectively grounding them. If voted the new law will be effective from January 31, 2025.

Louca stressed that resolving the issue will take time. Geo Pavlides Automotive will need to hire technicians dedicated solely to airbag replacements to handle the workload effectively, he added.

He said that the Ministry of Transport was also exploring support measures for affected vehicle owners. Meanwhile, administrative costs for airbag replacements, claimed by distributors, are being reviewed by the Consumer Protection Service.