The Federal government is issuing the recall of 2.3 million Australian cars fitted with potentially deadly airbags.

It will be Australia’s first, and largest, compulsory recall in history.

23 people worldwide, including one Australian, have died as a result of the faulty Takata airbags, which are at risk of exploding when deployed.

A woman in Darwin was also left severely injured.

But owners are left in the dark with no official database to find out what cars are on the recall list.

Chris Smith speaks with ACCC Chairman, Rod Sims, on why they’ve announced a recall without a full list.

“Only by making the announcement can we get the list, Chris.”

He tells Chris one million cars already under a voluntary recall are those most at risk, and all the makes and models of those cars are listed on the manufacturers’ sites.

He explains there are 850,000 cars from makers like Holden and Volkswagen who don’t want to do the recall.

As a result, the information is not available.  By issuing a compulsory recall, manufacturers are forced to release the information of makes and models containing the Takata airbags to the ACCC.

But he highlights owners of new models face less risk.

“There airbags only degrade over time, if it’s less than six years, you’re fine.”

“If you’re driving 2001, 2004 car, get on [your manufacturers] website now.”

Listen to the full interview below

Chris also speaks with 2GB State Political Reporter, Tamara Wearne, who has been following the case.

“This is one of the largest recalls in Australian history.

“We won’t know the new cars on the list, the ACCC won’t know, until April.”

Listen to the full story below 

A list of cars already listed on the ACCC can be found here.