The findings of the investigative committee on defective Takata airbags will be reviewed and completed by September 10, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed on Wednesday.

He said the committee, which includes the department of road transport, the electromechanical services and the police, has already started its work. Vafeades is scheduled to meet the members in early September to finalise the study. He noted that the recommendations must be brought before the road safety council and formally adopted.

The ministry has also been running a public information campaign since August, which will continue until the end of September. The campaign reminds drivers that the eight-month period given for recalls of vehicles listed in February ends on October 3. After that date, any car that has not been recalled will lose its roadworthiness certificate. This means it will no longer be allowed on public roads. The minister urged owners to book their appointments without delay, saying authorised distributors have open slots but uptake remains low.

“This shows people themselves are not moving forward with recalls, even though appointments are available,” Vafeades said.

He called on drivers to act quickly, warning that the airbags still pose a risk and that public cooperation is essential. For cases where distributors cannot offer appointments, vehicle owners are advised to contact the department of road transport for support.

The minister also clarified that airbag replacements done by private mechanics are not accepted. Only authorised distributors can carry out the procedure to ensure safety and avoid the risk of dangerous airbags entering the secondary market.

The Takata airbag crisis, part of one of the largest safety recalls worldwide, has already caused two confirmed deaths in Cyprus. Kyriakos Oxinos died in 2023 when metal fragments from a faulty airbag caused fatal injuries in a collision. In 2024, Styliani Giorgalli died after a defective airbag injured her aorta and lung in a crash.