PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL - 300 SERIES AIRBAG RECALL - JANUARY 2019
Hino Motor Sales Australia has issued a voluntary safety recall on certain 300 Series trucks produced between 31 October 2013 and 30 November 2016 due to a faulty Takata airbag.
This is in addition to the 2,144 Hino 300 Series trucks manufactured between January and December 2013 that were recalled in March 2018 and the 2,841 300 Series trucks manufactured between July 2011 and December 2012 that were recalled in April 2017 for the same issue.
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.
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.
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 is currently contacting owners of affected trucks via mail and advertising in major metropolitan and regional newspapers.
Owners can also check if their truck is the subject of a recall online at here.
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 6,963 Hino 300 Series trucks involved manufactured between 31 October 2013 and 30 November 2016.
This is in addition to the 2,144 Hino 300 Series trucks manufactured between January and December 2013 that were recalled in March 2018 and the 2,841 300 Series trucks manufactured between July 2011 and December 2012 that were recalled in April 2017 for the same issue.
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 of the defect and that replacement parts are available – they should contact an authorised Hino dealer to have the front passenger airbag inflator replaced.
Local Hino dealers will perform the required rectification FREE OF CHARGE and will work with affected 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 for affected customers to make their 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.