Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki have issued voluntary recalls of more than 18,000 vehicles manufactured between 1996 and 1999 that are fitted with potentially deadly Takata NADI 5-AT airbags.
"These airbags could injure or kill people in the car by misdeploying in an accident and propelling parts or metal fragments into the cabin of the vehicle at high speed," ACCC acting chair Stephen Ridgeway said.
"The airbags have also, in some instances, not fully inflated in a crash, thereby failing to protect drivers as expected."
Owners of affected Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki cars are advised to stop driving them immediately and contact their manufacturer to arrange an urgent, free inspection.
Toyota is offering to buy back cars or provide alternative transport options until the airbag is replaced, while Mazda and Suzuki are offering to buy back affected vehicles from their owners.
There have been four incidents involving suspected misdeployments of Takata NADI 5-AT airbags in Australia.
The driver of a Toyota died after the airbag did not deploy properly, while another person died from a misdeployed airbag in a BMW.
Abnormal airbag deployments have also occurred in Japan and the US.
Last year Audi, BMW and Ford voluntarily recalled almost 17,000 cars.
The ACCC said Honda and Mitsubishi were also expected to announce a recall soon.
"Drivers must take these warnings seriously. These airbags pose a serious safety risk that could lead to deaths or serious injuries," Mr Ridgway said.
"Please do not put lives at risk and consider other transport options if your vehicle is affected."
The NADI 5-AT airbag was installed in about 78,000 Australian cars across eight manufacturers and the ACCC said a substantial number of were still on the road.
| Make | Model | Years | Contact details |
| Audi | A6 4B/C5 | 1998-2000 | Audi Takata Information Line: 1800 856 770 |
| A8 4D/D2 | 1998-2000 | ||
| A4 8D/B5 | 1997-2000 | ||
| TT 8N/1 | 1999-2000 | ||
| Cabriolet 8G/B4 | 1998-1999 | ||
| BMW | E46 3 Series | 1997-2000 | BMW Takata Hotline: 1800 243 675 |
| Ford | Courier | 1998-2000 | Takata Recall Hotline: 1800 503 673 |
| Honda | Legend | 1996-2000 | 1800 952 272 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 6:00pm AEDT) |
| CR-V | 1997-2000 | ||
| Accord | 1997-1999 | ||
| Mazda | Eunos 800 | 1996-1999 | Mazda Customer Support: 1800 931 024 |
| Mitsubishi | NL Pajero | 1997-2000 | Takata Hotline: 1800 931 811 |
| CE Lancer | 1997-2000 | ||
| WA Express | 1997-2000 | ||
| CE Mirage | 1997-2000 | ||
| WA Starwagon | 1997-2000 | ||
| Suzuki | Grand Vitara SQ625 2.5L V6 | 1998-1999 | Customer Hotline: 1800 777 088 |
| Toyota | Starlet 3 door | 1997-1999 | Toyota Australia Campaign Helpline: 1800 987 366 |
| Starlet 5 door | 1997-1999 | ||
| Paseo | 1997-1999 | ||
| Celica |
1997-1999 | ||
| RAV4 3 door | 1997-1999 | ||
| RAV4 5 door | 1997-1999 |
Table source: ACCC
