PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL – AIRBAG INFLATOR CAMPAIGN - 28 MARCH 18
28 March 2018
Hino Motor Sales Australia has issued a voluntary safety recall on certain 300 Series models produced between January and December 2013.
This is in addition to 2841 300 Series models produced between July 2011 and December 2012
Replacement parts are now available and affected operators should promptly contact their local authorised Hino dealership to make an appointment to have the passenger airbag assembly replaced.
Your vehicle has a Takata front passenger airbag. As it gets older, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade. If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision triggering the airbag, the metal inflator housing may explode/rupture under too much internal pressure. This may cause the inflator to rupture if the airbag is activated. This may cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Hino has not received any reports of this occurring in its vehicles in either the Australian or global markets. However other brands of motor vehicles have reported injuries and fatalities due to having installed Takata brand airbags in their vehicles.
In line with the TIC Code of Practice for safety related recalls, Hino has written to owners of affected trucks via mail and will advertise in major metropolitan and regional newspapers. Additional information is also available by calling the Hino Care Centre on 1300 014 466.
Please click here to view the list of affected models.
Q: What is the situation?
A: Some Hino 300 Series trucks contain passenger airbags manufactured by a third party called Takata. Many Takata airbags are defective as the airbag inflators are susceptible to moisture intrusion over time. As it gets older, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade. If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision triggering the airbag, the metal inflator housing may explode/rupture. If this occurs it may cause injury to the vehicle occupants.
Q: What is the function of the inflator?
A: It contains a solid propellant which is ignited in the event the airbag needs to be deployed.
Q: Which and how many vehicles are involved?
A: In the Australian market, there are 2144 Hino 300 Series vehicles manufactured between January and December 2013.
This is in addition to the 2840 Hino 300 Series vehicles manufactured between July 2011 and December 2012 that were recalled in April 2017.
Q: Are there any warnings that this condition has occurred?
A: No. There are no warnings that this condition exists.
Q: Have any accidents or injuries been reported as a result of this condition?
A: Hino has not received any reports of accidents or injuries as a result of this condition in its Australian or global market. However other brands of motor vehicles have reported injuries and fatalities due to deployment of Takata brand airbags in their vehicles.
Q: What is Hino going to do?
A: Hino is writing to all affected owners to inform them that replacement parts are available – they should contact an authorised Hino dealer to have the front passenger’s airbag inflator replaced.
Hino dealers will perform required rectification FREE OF CHARGE to the vehicle owner and will work with customers to minimise any impact on their business.
Q: How long will the repair take?
A: This repair will take approximately one hour. Depending upon the dealer’s work schedule, it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time. Selected Hino dealerships also offer late night servicing.
Q: Are the trucks safe to drive and can I have a passenger sit in the front seats?
A: The safety risk increases with the age of the vehicle and will only manifest if the airbag deploys in the event of an accident. We strongly recommend that you contact your local Hino dealer today to arrange an appointment to have the airbag inflator replaced.