Cyprus is racing to complete the recall of thousands of vehicles fitted with defective Takata airbags, with officials warning that MOT certificates may be canceled after October 3 for drivers who fail to comply.

According to figures presented before the House Transport Committee, 76% of affected vehicles have already been repaired, but nearly 19,000 cars remain outstanding. The recall affects almost 100,000 vehicles on the island, including both new and second-hand imports.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed that the government is weighing an extension of the October 3 deadline, acknowledging mounting pressure as authorized workshops struggle to handle the backlog. A final decision will be announced in the coming days after consultations with the Department of Road Transport.

The process has been hampered by scheduling and supply issues. Toyota is offering immediate appointments and spare parts, while Mazda customers are facing delays stretching into November. Although DoRT reports sufficient spare parts to cover 17,000 vehicles, only 2,853 appointments have been booked so far.

The recall has sparked political backlash after reports emerged that two vehicle distributors imposed administrative fees of up to €150 on car owners, despite EU Directive 858/2018, which requires manufacturers to cover recall costs.

MPs from across party lines condemned the practice as profiteering, with Green Party leader Stavros Papadouris alleging that companies collected roughly €4 million from around 27,000 imported cars. While the Transport Ministry has voiced opposition, it admits that enforcement does not fall directly under its authority.

Further uncertainty surrounds second-hand imported cars, with MPs warning that many owners are left “stranded” as it remains unclear who bears the responsibility for recall-related costs.

Lawmakers warned that drivers who miss the recall deadline could face automatic MOT cancellations, with certificates voided after the eight-month compliance window. In some cases, owners might also be required to undergo—and pay for—a second MOT shortly after the repair, further adding to financial burdens.

MPs urged the ministry to crack down on unjustified fees and to protect drivers from unfair treatment, stressing that immobilizing vehicles risks severe social and economic consequences, especially for households reliant on a single car.

Minister Vafeades appealed directly to the public to act swiftly: “This is for your safety. The faster we complete this process, the better,” he said, thanking those who have already complied and urging the rest to contact their dealers or the DoRT immediately.

Despite the setbacks, officials are optimistic that Cyprus can reach the internationally recognized 85–90% completion rate by the end of 2025, provided cooperation improves and new challenges are avoided.

Alongside the recall, the ministry has tabled a bill to raise MOT inspection fees, citing rising administrative and operating expenses. Pending parliamentary approval, fees would increase from €35 to €43 at private centers and from €40 to €46 at public centers.