Hino is recalling a number of five-year old 300 models due to faulty passenger airbags
Hino Motor Sales Australia has issued a voluntary safety recall on certain 300 Series models produced between January 2013 and December 2013 which contain faulty passenger airbags from third-party supplier Takata.
This is in addition to the 2841 300 Series models produced between July 2011 and December 2012 that were recalled in April 2017 for the same issue.
Hino says 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 says it is aware that a mandatory recall of Takata airbag inflators has been instituted by the Commonwealth Government. However, it adds that this mandatory recall does not apply to trucks or other vehicles principally intended for commercial use.
Hino explains that 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.
Hino advises that it has not received any reports of this occurring in its vehicles in either the Australian or global markets. However, it is aware that other brands of motor vehicles have reported injuries and fatalities due to having installed Takata brand airbags in their vehicles.
Hino says, as part of its commitment to customer safety, it is implementing this voluntary recall to replace the front passenger airbag inflator in the affected Hino vehicles.
Hino states that it strongly recommends that owners of affected vehicles promptly contact their local Hino dealer to arrange an appointment to have the airbag inflator replaced.
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.