50,000 vehicles in New Zealand will be recalled compulsorily due to safety risks from potentially faulty airbags.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Kris Faafoi announced the recall this afternoon of cars commonly used in New Zealand.

The 50,000 vehicles are equipped with Alpha-type Takata airbags, an older model of the airbags, which could deploy unexpectedly, spraying passengers with shrapnel.

It is only the second compulsary recall in New Zealand history, and the largest vehicle recall by far.

A further 257,000 vehicles containing non-Alpha airbags are subject to a recall.