SINGAPORE — Recent investigations by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have uncovered a troubling statistic: around 12,700 vehicles in Singapore still have defective Takata airbags that need rectification. This revelation comes after a tragic incident involving Michael Ong Kong Meng, a 57-year-old driver who died in 2022 due to a faulty airbag deploying metal fragments.
The Background of the Tragedy
Ong’s death marked the first such fatality in Singapore linked to Takata airbags. In a chain collision on the Seletar Expressway, a metal piece shot from his airbag, resulting in fatal injuries. The Honda Fit he drove was sold by a parallel importer, Hong Sin Motors, which ceased operations in 2017.
Ongoing Investigation by LTA
As part of its investigation, LTA is scrutinising manufacturers and motor dealers who failed to demonstrate compliance with vehicle recall obligations. This includes the legal responsibility to notify owners and arrange the rectification of safety defects.
- As of mid-January 2026, about 199,000 out of 212,000 vehicles notified have had rectifications done — a commendable 94% success rate.
- However, about 3,200 vehicles have been identified which were imported by defunct parallel importers, and letters will be sent to their owners urging them to rectify the airbag issue.
Regulatory Landscape
LTA has emphasised that under the vehicle recall framework in Singapore, it is crucial for manufacturers and dealers, including parallel importers, to step up and take responsibility. Failure to comply with the recall can result in fines reaching up to $50,000 for multiple vehicles.
“We advise vehicle buyers to purchase cars from reputable dealers who can handle ongoing safety notifications,” said an LTA spokesperson. This highlights the importance of ensuring that vehicle sellers have a robust after-sales support system.
Understanding the Mechanism
Local regulations place the onus on authorized dealers and importers regarding customer notifications on safety defects. Unlike places like the US, manufacturers do not have direct access to customer data due to Singapore’s privacy laws.
Dr Zafar Momin from the National University of Singapore noted that ensuring vehicle recall compliance requires effective communication and tracking systems, significantly when parallel importers are involved.
What Can Vehicle Owners Do?
To check if your vehicle is subject to a recall, you can:
- Log into the Electronic Vehicle Recall System via the OneMotoring portal.
- Contact your motor dealer for the latest status on any safety-related defects.
It’s essential to act promptly on any recall notifications and maintain communication with your dealer for your safety and peace of mind.