Ayer Yarkıner Criticizes Government Inaction on Takata Airbag Crisis

In an exclusive statement to Kıbrıs Postası, Yarkıner criticized the lack of checks on second-hand vehicle imports into North Cyprus for Takata Corporation’s defective airbags. He noted that for the past three years, Honda dealerships have distributed brochures in shopping centers, offering free airbag inspections, yet the gravity of the issue remains underestimated.

"The Government Must Act"

Yarkıner explained that the Chamber of Mechanical Engineers issued a warning about the issue nearly two years ago. “One and a half years ago, a person died due to the Takata airbag crisis. The police requested a report from us, and we provided a detailed explanation of the crisis,” he said.

He emphasized that the problem predominantly affects vehicles manufactured between 2003 and 2015. “We recommended that the government send written notices to car dealerships or seek technical support from us to take necessary actions. However, there has been no response or progress in the year since our request. This situation poses an increasing risk, particularly with aging vehicles.”

Yarkıner highlighted that the crisis is caused by the airbag’s inflator becoming damp, leading to a pressure increase in the ammonium nitrate it contains. This can cause the steel casing to rupture and propel the airbag mechanism dangerously toward the occupant's head.

"Resolved in the South, Ignored in the North"

Yarkıner praised South Cyprus for addressing the issue long ago. “Takata covers the cost of airbag replacements. Mazda and Honda are setting examples by collaborating to resolve the problem. Unfortunately, neither the government nor other automotive firms in the North have taken any steps,” he said.

Advice for Vehicle Owners

Yarkıner urged owners of second-hand cars to have their airbags inspected, particularly vehicles like the Mazda Demio, which can be imported unchecked due to the absence of a local dealership.

“Consult a mechanical engineer to inspect your vehicle’s airbags. If you bought the vehicle from a specific dealer, demand a solution from them,” he advised.

He concluded by highlighting the broader safety risks: “We lose 40-45 lives in traffic accidents each year. Serious measures must be taken, and mandatory airbag inspections should be implemented to prevent potential accidents.”