Audi offers free replacement of Takata airbags in Northern Cyprus

Audi’s dealer in Northern Cyprus, the Debreli Group, announced on Friday a free replacement campaign for potentially defective airbags manufactured by the Japanese company Takata.

The Debreli Group urged car owners in Northern Cyprus to undergo this “critically important procedure” as soon as possible. Owners are asked to contact the authorized Audi service center, provide the chassis number, and, upon confirmation, book a free airbag replacement.

Debreli Group contact phone: +90 (0) 539 108 0333.

The problem is that Takata airbags have a defect that may occur under high temperatures or humidity. In such conditions, the explosion during deployment can eject metal fragments through the airbag toward the passenger, potentially causing injury or death.

Last week in Northern Cyprus, a 26-year-old Turkish citizen, Ali Osman Bayram, died after the steering wheel airbag exploded and a metal shard penetrated his skull.

This year, a mass recall campaign took place in Cyprus: Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeades in February ordered the recall of more than 80,000 vehicles. An eight-month grace period was given to owners, but as the deadline approaches, registration fees and inspection certificates have been canceled for several vehicles between Friday and October 30.

Chairman of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Mechanical Engineers, Aer Yarkiner, stated that his organization confirmed Takata’s involvement in Bayram’s death and urged authorities in Northern Cyprus to ban the use of cars equipped with such airbags and hold owners responsible.