Approximately 1,600 appointments have been scheduled by 31 October for corrective measures related to Takata airbag recalls, according to Giorgos Louka, Director General of the Road Transport Department.
The department suspended MOT certificates for vehicles with pending airbag replacement recalls from 3 October, based on the eight-month deadline established under Circular 8/2025 issued in February 2025. Vehicles with appointments scheduled by 31 October received temporary suspension extensions.
Outstanding cases remained for approximately 16,900 vehicles as of 30 September, representing roughly 20 per cent of the original 81,000 affected vehicles, the department announced. The figures indicate significant mobilisation in recent days, with Toyota alone scheduling 1,300 additional appointments following increased owner response.
Toyota and Honda owners account for 7,000 outstanding recall cases
Toyota vehicles account for the largest number of outstanding cases, with approximately 5,000 owners failing to respond according to data provided by the company to the department. Honda reported that owners of approximately 2,000 vehicles had not responded to recall notifications.
“While Toyota had scheduled around 300 appointments, mobilisation over the past one to two days made it possible to arrange another 1,300 appointments before the deadline expires,” Louka told the Cyprus News Agency.
The director urged vehicle owners who have not yet responded to take action, noting that additional appointments remain available. “Recalls are part of everyday life; we as consumers must take care,” Louka said. He added that this particular recall concerns a safety hazard and called on the public to proceed with corrective measures.
“We recognise the inconvenience, but this is for the common good,” Louka noted.
Transport Department urges vehicle owners to verify recall deadlines
The department has received numerous telephone calls regarding the issue in recent days. Louka instructed owners to verify when the eight-month deadline expires for their vehicle’s recall through the department’s website and take corrective measures before that date arrives.
He called on the public to contact dealers and manufacturers for all types of recalls, though companies also have obligations to inform consumers. He added that the specific recall concerns an issue involving danger and called on the public to proceed with corrective measures.
MOT retesting required following airbag replacement completion
Vehicles whose MOT certificates are suspended for failing to take timely corrective measures must undergo the MOT procedure again after completing the recall, according to Louka. This requirement adds to the administrative burden for non-compliant vehicle owners.
Regarding enforcement of immobilisation measures, police announced that for cases involving suspended MOT certificates where immediate immobilisation does not apply, officers will issue traffic fines and encourage drivers to make necessary arrangements to repair any defects, enabling MOT certificate renewal.
Police clarified they will continue applying driving prohibition measures and directing drivers to use tow trucks when vehicles face immediate immobilisation orders or when serious mechanical or other vehicle condition problems exist.
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