In Cyprus, certificates are being suspended for 16,900 cars due to airbag recalls

The Department of Road Transport of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works announces that starting from October 3, 2025, the procedure for suspending the certificate of roadworthiness will begin for vehicles whose airbag recall replacement has not been carried out.

The first wave of suspensions will run from October 3 to October 30, 2025, and will apply on different dates for each brand, depending on the day of the official notification from the manufacturer, sent to the department and to the owners.

The final recall completion date is listed next to each affected vehicle on the Ministry’s website: www.gov.cy/mtcw.

According to the department’s estimates, about 16,900 vehicles, roughly 20% of the initially declared 81,000 vehicles, had not completed the recall by September 30. With intensive work from car services, part of these recalls may be implemented for vehicles whose owners booked appointments within the eight-month period.

Among the non-responding owners, Toyota stands out with about 5,000 vehicles, and Honda with about 2,000. For all vehicles whose owners have not responded, no extension of the recall deadline will be granted.

Owners who already have an appointment for the recall in October are allowed to carry out the replacement before the scheduled date, but no later than October 31, 2025.

The eight-month deadline was set by Circular 8/2025, issued in February, due to the seriousness of the risk, and is an exception to the general 18-month period provided by the circular. The decision was based on manufacturer recommendations, some of which required the immediate suspension of the use of vehicles.

The Department of Road Transport and the Ministry urge dealers to make every effort to complete the recall works within the specified deadlines and to accelerate the pace of airbag replacements.

Owners who cannot reach dealers or find an authorized workshop or spare parts are advised to contact the Department of Road Transport call center for instructions.

The Ministry reminds the public of its previous recommendation not to use vehicles subject to recall due to defective airbags until the part has been replaced. The recall is a measure to prevent serious risks and to protect the lives of drivers, passengers, and third parties.