Almost 11,000 Honda cars have been recalled so the Takata airbags can be replaced, the transport ministry announced on Wednesday.

It specified Galatariotis Motors had briefed the ministry that Honda vehicles on the market that needed to be recalled to replace the airbags amounted to 10,850.

The transport ministry urged members of the public not to drive these vehicles if they are affected and contact Galatariotis Motors for more information.

Takata airbags are being recalled after it emerged that when deployed, the airbags sends shards of metal flying. The defective component has been blamed for the deaths of 24-year-old Kyriacos Oxinos in January 2023 and 19-year-old Styliani Giorgalli.

A new helpline for the contentious Takata airbag recalls began operations on Monday. The number is 22 747100.

The Road Transport Department has posted on its website the affected car dealers and car makes. It provides links to the dealers’ websites, where owners can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see whether their car has a Takata airbag.