Volkswagen (VW) owners in Zimbabwe are being urged to take immediate action to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Volkswagen has issued a global recall for certain models fitted with potentially faulty Takata airbags.
These airbags, if deployed, could rupture, releasing dangerous metal fragments and posing a significant risk of injury to drivers and passengers.
CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, the local distributor of Volkswagen vehicles, is leading the recall effort in the country, ensuring that affected vehicles are repaired promptly and free of charge. Importantly, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe has confirmed that they will assist with any affected Volkswagen vehicle, even if it was not originally purchased through them.
What is the recall about?
At the centre of this issue are Takata airbags, a once-common feature in vehicles from nearly every major automaker worldwide. Takata airbags were designed to protect drivers and passengers during collisions.
However, over time, long-term exposure to high humidity and heat can cause their inflators to degrade. This degradation can lead to the airbag deploying with excessive force, potentially sending dangerous shrapnel into the vehicle cabin during an accident.
The Takata airbag recall is one of the largest automotive recalls in history, affecting millions of vehicles worldwide. Major brands impacted include Toyota, General Motors, Honda, Chrysler, Acura, Audi, Tesla, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Nissan, Subaru, and, of course, Volkswagen.
Affected Volkswagen models
- Chamisa’s US$120k jackpot jolts govt
- Penchant for luxury in midst of abject poverty
- Chamisa’s US$120k jackpot jolts govt
- Penchant for luxury in midst of abject poverty
Keep Reading
Volkswagen has identified several models that may be affected by the faulty Takata airbags:
l 2006-2007 Passat Sedans
l 2012-2014 Passat models
l 2017 Passat Wagons
l 2017-2019 Beetle and Beetle Convertible models
While these models are the primary focus of the recall, owners of other Volkswagen models are also encouraged to check if their vehicle is affected.
Importance of checking your car
Faulty airbags are not just a mechanical issue—they are a serious safety hazard. The defective Takata airbags have been linked to several injuries and fatalities worldwide.
Volkswagen recognises the gravity of the situation and is taking every step to ensure its vehicles on the road are safe. CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe has emphasised the urgency of the recall: “It is crucial for vehicle owners to act immediately. Even if your vehicle appears to be functioning normally, the risk posed by these airbags is too great to ignore.”
Coverage for all VW owners
In a significant move to prioritise safety, CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe has announced that they will assist with the replacement of faulty airbags on any affected Volkswagen vehicle, regardless of where it was purchased. This means that even if you bought your Volkswagen from a private seller or imported it into Zimbabwe, you can still take advantage of this free recall service.
This inclusive approach reflects CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Volkswagen drivers in the country.
How to check if your car is affected
To determine if your Volkswagen is part of the recall, follow these simple steps:Locate Your VIN: The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-digit identifier for your vehicle. You can find it in the lower corner of your windscreen on the driver’s side or in your vehicle registration documents.
Check the Volkswagen Website: Visit the official Volkswagen website and enter your VIN to see if your car is affected by the recall.
Contact Your Local Dealership: If you’re unsure or need assistance, reach out to CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe via email at [email protected], call +263 242 369 030-6, or WhatsApp Sales at +263 780 703 903.
What happens if your car is affected?
If your vehicle is identified as part of the recall:
l Free Replacement: Volkswagen will replace the faulty airbags with new ones at no cost to you.
l Authorised Dealerships: Repairs will be carried out by trained technicians at authorised Volkswagen dealerships to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.
l Quick and Efficient Service: CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe guarantees a seamless and efficient process to minimise inconvenience for customers.
Why recalls shouldn’t be ignored
Vehicle recalls can sometimes be misunderstood as a reflection of a brand’s reliability. However, it’s important to note that this recall is not a Volkswagen-specific issue.
The Takata airbag defect has affected nearly every major automaker globally. Recalls are about prioritising safety, not brand performance. Ignoring a recall can have severe consequences. Faulty airbags pose a life-threatening risk, especially in the event of an accident. By addressing the recall promptly, you’re not just safeguarding yourself but also the lives of your passengers.
Zimbabwe’s role in the recall
CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe is actively working to ensure that all affected Volkswagens in the country are repaired. The company is championing awareness campaigns and making it easy for owners to check their vehicles and book repairs. Zimbabwean VW owners are encouraged to act swiftly, as high humidity and heat — common in many parts of the country — can accelerate the degradation of the Takata airbag inflators.
A simple step that saves lives
Checking your Volkswagen for the Takata airbag recall is a quick and straightforward process, but its impact on your safety cannot be overstated. By taking a few minutes to locate your VIN and check the Volkswagen website or contact CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe, you can ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. Remember, Volkswagen will replace the airbags free of charge, and CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe will assist all Volkswagen drivers, regardless of where their car was purchased.
For more information, contact CFAO Mobility Zimbabwe via:
l Email: [email protected]
l Phone: +263 242 369 030-6
l WhatsApp Sales: +263 780 703 903
Your safety is priceless. Protect yourself and your loved ones by addressing the Volkswagen airbag recall today.
