By Angelos Nicolaou
Copyright philenews
Nearly 20,000 vehicle owners in Cyprus face potential MOT certificate cancellation within 10 days if they fail to replace defective Takata airbags under a mandatory recall programme affecting tens of thousands of citizens.
The Transport Ministry decree takes effect on 3 October 2025, automatically cancelling MOT certificates for vehicles that have not complied with the compulsory recall of faulty Takata airbags.
The measure applies to vehicles whose owners received replacement notifications from the Road Transport Department but failed to complete repairs within eight months.
“Two companies have collected amounts reaching €4 million, mainly from cases involving 27,000 imported used vehicles,” Movement of Ecologists president and MP Stavros Papadouris told the parliamentary Transport Committee on Thursday, describing the charges as a “business opportunity over a safety issue”.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafead3s clarified the ministry “completely disagrees with any charges for recalls” but emphasised the issue falls outside his direct responsibilities.
Recall progress falls short of targets
Of 81,060 vehicles initially identified for recall, 76 per cent have complied according to latest data presented to the Transport Committee. However, 19,671 vehicles remain outstanding, with 2,853 appointments scheduled and 16,818 owners providing no response whatsoever.
Road Transport Department director Giorgos Loukas confirmed spare parts availability for approximately 17,000 vehicles, indicating supply shortages do not constitute an obstacle.
Instead, delays stem primarily from appointment scheduling problems, particularly with Mazda, which now offers appointments for November. Toyota appears to maintain adequate stock levels and immediate appointment availability.
An additional 18,500 vehicles were added to the recall list from February to present, with 13,682 remaining outstanding. The total list of vehicles requiring airbag recalls, including deregistered and immobilised vehicles, reaches 99,560 vehicles.
Imminent deadlines create pressure
Immediate deadlines compound the crisis, with 5,612 vehicles (5,584 Toyota, 28 Lexus) facing recall expiration on 2 October, followed by 155 vehicles on 5 October spanning multiple brands including BMW, Mercedes, and Nissan.
Further deadlines continue through December, with 4,113 Mazda vehicles facing recall expiration on 30 October representing the largest single-day total.
The recall completion rate of 76 per cent falls below the internationally accepted target range of 85-90 per cent, though officials express optimism the process could conclude by end-2025 if efforts intensify.
Controversy over charging practices
MPs severely criticised two vehicle distribution companies for imposing unjustified charges up to €150 for replacing dangerous Takata airbags, while other component recalls involving brakes or electrical parts proceed free of charge.
The European Union Directive 858/2018, incorporated into Cypriot law, makes clear manufacturers must cover corrective measure costs. However, ambiguities arise regarding imported used vehicles, leaving owners “hanging,” MPs commented.
Additional concerns emerged regarding automatic MOT cancellation for non-compliant vehicles, with MPs highlighting cases where citizens face second MOT requirements despite recent testing, translating to additional costs.
Final decision pending
Minister Vafeades stated a final decision on potential deadline extension would be taken within two days following data evaluation. Growing voices demand targeted deadline extension, at least for cases already scheduled but unable to execute timely completion.
Transport Committee chairman Marinos Moushiouttas noted 50 per cent of outstanding cases involve five vehicle brands, while spare parts remain available for approximately 17,000 vehicles.
The ministry’s information campaign continues intensively, though participation remains critical to prevent accidents or unnecessary hardship due to MOT cancellation.
