Canberra's drivers and car dealerships are feeling the sting of the Takata airbag recall that is causing waves in the automotive industry all over the world.
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Following the announcement this week the federal government was introducing a compulsory recall of all cars fitted with the defective Takata airbags, many have discovered they are potentially being put in danger each time they drive their vehicle.
It is estimated the recall will capture 2.3 million vehicles in Australia, from major manufacturers like Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda.
Various voluntary recalls on Takata airbags had been in place since 2009. An estimated 1.7 million vehicles have had their airbags replaced, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Mazda owner Ben Arthur said he had been receiving correspondence from the company for about six months before the compulsory recall emphasised the importance of having his airbags replaced.
He said it was only after a colleague sent around an email to staff with a list of affected vehicles that he realised his 2006 RX-8 had Takata Alpha airbags installed, a particular subset of the airbags more likely to malfunction and possibly shoot shrapnel into passengers.
"The idea of having a piece of metal shoot through my stomach is not particularly fun," Mr Arthur said.
"The ACCC's advice for the alpha airbags is essentially stop driving the car immediately, but I live in Gungahlin and work in Fyshwick so that's not realistic."
Mr Arthur lodged an online request with Mazda noting his VIN and contact details five days ago but is yet to receive a response.
He also questioned why, if the fault had been known since 2009, did manufacturers not act more proactively to replace the faulty airbags.
The FCAI said the automotive industry "would move heaven and earth" to comply with the compulsory recall.
The peak body added manufacturers had experienced difficulties with contacting owners, securing replacement airbags and processing such a large number of vehicles.
They called on state and federal governments to assist the car industry in keeping motorists safe.
Dealer principal at Capital Subaru in Fyshwick Adam Clearihan said while the dealership had been affected by the recall he welcomed the federal government stepping in.
Mr Clearihan estimated in just his dealership's area (Fyshwick, Queanbeyan and the inner south) there were likely 1800 Subarus affected.
He said the dealership, which has been replacing the airbags for about 18 months, had been forced to employ two new technicians, one new receptionist and begin servicing cars on Saturday to cope with the demand the recall had introduced.
Mr Clearihan said Capital Subaru had been able to so far stay on top of the influx and he encouraged Subaru owners to get in touch with their relevant dealerships.
Service manager at Rolfe Honda Conor O'Donnell said the Honda dealer network had enough airbags to cover all Hondas in Australia and said the Belconnen service centre had the staff to cover Canberra's need.
Representatives from other manufacturers were unable to be reached for comment.
