Faulty Takata airbags had another day in the sun on Tuesday, as MPs discussed certain dealerships charging car owners to check if their airbags needed replacing, while answers provided by the Consumer Protection Service were found grimly disappointing.

MPs at the House transport committee pushed for an immediate legislative intervention to prevent the charges and called on the government to protect the public.

MPs also pointed out that there were clear EU regulations on the matter.

Speaking after the meeting, Disy MP Nikos Sykas said what the committee heard regarding the recalls, as well as the answers given by the Consumer Protection Service had raised concern.

Sykas said the road transport department (TOM) had informed the committee that 80,000 text messages had been sent to owners of vehicles with faulty airbags.

This, Sykas said, raised questions regarding the administrative costs the companies were charging.

Nevertheless, the service did not find any violation, Sykas said.

“They are letting the consumers pay for the recalls, while it is clear, based on the European and home law, who is responsible to cooperate,” he said.

Akel MP Costas Costa said the Consumer Protection Service regurgitated the same excuses, “hiding behind a law”, and not protecting consumers.

He wondered why two out of 13 dealerships had decided to charge and how they had decided to work out the cost depending on the value of the vehicle, with “administrative costs” ranging from €75 to €160.

This, he said, was “obvious profiteering”, with some standing to make millions from the recalls, while services set up to protect the people were turning a blind eye.

Diko MP Panicos Leonidou said it was obvious that legislation was insufficient in this case, adding that the committee would reconvene in the presence of the attorney-general and others.

Dipa MP Michalis Yiakoumi said the transport minister could issue a decree putting an end to these charges.

The issue of faulty Takata airbags has been ongoing for over two years.

In January 2023, 24-year-old Kyriakos Oxinos was killed when a faulty airbag exploded during a road accident.

A second fatality linked to faulty Takata airbags is also under investigation. Nineteen-year-old Styliani Giorgalli from Avgorou was killed in October 2024, in a road accident between Avgorou and Frenaros.

An autopsy determined that she died from haemorrhagic shock caused by a ruptured ascending aorta and lung, injuries allegedly inflicted by metal shrapnel from a defective airbag.

Official findings on her case are expected soon.

Owners of vehicles are advised to visit the official website of the Road Transport Department (TOM), where the list of affected vehicles is available.

🔗 Check if your vehicle is affected at this link.