The Court of Turin has decided to intervene with urgent measures in the case of defective airbags produced by Takata Corporation and installed on several Opel models. The decision comes after the precautionary appeal presented by Altroconsumoregarding the risks linked to a defect already known internationally: in the event of an accident, the airbag can activate abnormally and become dangerous.
The problem affects several Opel models still in circulation with components that have not been replaced. But, as we were saying, it is not an isolated case, it is in fact part of the wider global Takata airbag scandal, one of the largest recalls in automotive history.
For Opel the cars affected are:
Why Takata airbags can be dangerous
The problem is not recent and concerns the airbag inflation system, in particular the gas generator used by Takata. Under certain conditions, this component can degrade over time, especially in the presence of high temperatures, high humidity or repeated temperature changes.
When the internal material deteriorates, the airbag can explode with excessive force upon deployment, transforming a safety device into a potentially dangerous element. The main risk is the violent rupture of the inflation module, with the possible projection of metal fragments towards the vehicle occupants.
In Italy, according to data reported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the Takata airbag replacement campaign involved approximately 4 million vehicles belonging to numerous automotive brands, including Honda, Toyota, BMW, Ford, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Chrysler and Fiat.
The decision on the Opel case
In the new provision, the Court imposed a series of stringent obligations on the car manufacturer to guarantee consumer safety.
Companies will first have to contact all owners of cars that are still unrepaired, in order to ensure that every motorist is informed of the situation. At the same time, they will have to make it explicitly clear that vehicles subject to a “stop drive” warning must not be used under any circumstances, not even to reach a workshop.
Among the measures envisaged there is also the obligation to guarantee the transport of the vehicle via tow truck, with costs entirely borne by the company, so as to avoid any risk for consumers. Added to this is the need to provide, within a few days of the request, a replacement car or alternative mobility solutions, such as car sharing services.
The Court also established that customers must be informed through all available channels, therefore email, SMS, PEC or registered letter, to minimize the risk that someone will not be reached by the communication.
Finally, Opel and Stellantis will have to launch an information campaign in national newspapers and information sites, so as to give maximum visibility to the recall and also reach owners who have not been contacted directly.
What to do if you own an Opel car
If you own an Opel potentially affected by the recall, it is important to check your situation as soon as possible, even if no official communication has been received.
The first step is to check the vehicle, checking if it is among those affected. This can be done directly on the official Opel website, by accessing the section dedicated to recalls, or by entering the chassis number (VIN), which can be found in the registration document.
If the car is included among those subject to “stop drive”, the indications given in the measures ordered by the Court are clear: the vehicle should not be used in any case, not even to reach a workshop or for short journeys.
In this situation it is therefore essential to contact official Opel assistance as soon as possible or contact the Stellantis group, so as to receive precise instructions and start the procedure for intervention or replacement of the airbag.
