Toyota Australia has ordered the recall of 181,000 cars after an airbag fault linked to five deaths worldwide.

The decision was part of a global recall of more than five million Toyotas which have been fitted with airbags from one of the world’s biggest air-bag companies, Takata.

About 20 million cars produced by major makers have already been recalled over the defect which has been linked to at least five deaths, including one in the US initially investigated as a homicide due to the driver’s grisly injuries.

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Toyota Australia said its recall would affect vehicles built between 2003 and 2007 and includes its Yaris, Corolla, Avensis Verso, Echo and Rav4 models.

“These recalls are due to the potential that, depending on the vehicle, either the drivers or passengers airbag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion over time,” Toyota Australia said in a statement on Wednesday.

“If this happens, this could potentially make the inflator assembly prone to rupture during an accident, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

“There have been no incidents or injuries reported in Australia as a result of this condition.”

Toyota is offering a free replacement for the part.

The company announced on Wednesday it was recalling 26,050 cars in New Zealand over the possible airbag fault.

Takata supplies airbags to a number of manufacturers, including Toyota’s rival Nissan which has also been forced to call back 1.56 million vehicles worldwide over the fault.

Comment is being sought from other car companies.

Takata announced on Tuesday it was doubling the recall of US cars using its faulty airbags to a record nearly 34 million vehicles.