Govt warns 35,000 cars still have 'explosive' Takata airbags

A compulsory recall was issued in April for thousands of vehicles containing the potentially explosive airbags produced by Japanese manufacturer Takata.

But seven months later, more than 30,000 remain on the road.

"Those airbags are very dangerous, and we want to make sure all our families are traveling safe in their cars," Labour MP Kris Faafoi warns.

He says when one does explode, it can be deadly.

"Certainly overseas there have been some deaths. In some humid conditions they can explode and throw shrapnel in people's faces, which obviously we don't want happening to anyone."

Sixty percent of cars with the faulty airbags have been fixed, but around 35,000 remain - nearly half of which are in Auckland.

The Government's trying to get the message out because many people don't know they're affected.

Auckland man Hunter Crouchley certainly didn't, even though there was a warning sticker. The problem was it was in Japanese.

Mr Crouchley said his passenger seat airbag was disconnected because of earlier recalls overseas and he has been waiting more than a year for it to be replaced.

"Fourteen months is a long time to be waiting for an airbag to be fixed," he said.

"I understand there are a lot of cars, but I'm driving around with no passenger airbag, so anyone who sits here is in danger if there is an accident."

However, Minister Faafoi is confident the all the problem airbags can be replaced by the end of next year.

"From what I've heard in the industry, they are confident if we get as many as we can we can meet the deadline, which is about 12 months away."

The fault has been found in more than 12 common car brands made between 2001 and 2006. You can check if your car is affected on the Government's "right car" website.

The replacement won't cost you anything, as that is covered by the car's manufacturer.

Newshub.