[moltuae]

This is the first I've heard of this airbag fiasco

I've just checked my car (using the links in the article posted by Sean). Interestingly, if I check by reg/VIN I get a "no outstanding recalls" result. However, if I search by make/model/age, there are 2 recalls, both for earlier airbag issues (unrelated to the Takata issue), implying that my car has had the recalls done.

So I'm wondering if some cars, such as yours Paul, might have already had the airbags replaced several years ago for a different recall. In which case they might now be fitted with a later airbag, one which could be unaffected by the issue.

Either way, I think that there should definitely be more options open to owners of affected vehicles, especially considering that many vehicles of that age may now be cherished, expensively maintained/restored classics. Legally decommissioning the airbags should certainly be an option but manufacturers should also offer subsidised replacement airbags, enabling owners who still wish to replace their airbags to do so at a reduced cost.