Air bag update: Frustration for some, solutions for others
Tens of millions of vehicle owners are still waiting to replace their recalled Takata air bags. The air bags have the possibility of exploding, putting drivers and passengers at risk for shrapnel injuries.
While some owners are feeling relief as they can drive their cars again, others are facing a new problem: They can no longer get promised loaner cars.
Some air bags were recalled in 2016, and many vehicle owners couldn’t get a fix because there weren’t enough replacement parts.
It's been two years since the Takata air bag in Delores Griffin's 2007 Ford Fusion was first recalled.
Last December, Ford sent a letter saying that until parts were available, drivers should not “allow anyone to sit in the first row passenger seat.”
That was a real problem for Griffin, because her family relied on the car to take her to doctor appointments. Getting in and out of the back seat was a struggle.
Earlier this summer, 5 On Your Side helped Griffin secure a loaner car from a Ford dealership and asked about repair delays.
At the time, Ford said parts would start to become available during the second and third quarters of 2018.
Ford replaced Griffin’s air bag this month.
“They called and told me they had my car ready, and I jumped for joy,” Griffin said.
Four other owners 5 On Your Side spoke with also got repairs.
But others say they're still waiting. One now has passengers ride in the backseat of her 2009 Ford Fusion.
It’s one of the vehicles on the "prioritized" repair schedule. Models from 2010 and older are said to be at greatest risk.
One local Ford dealership said there’s a wait list for loaner cars while waiting on repair parts.
It all has plenty of owners, including Griffin, feeling exasperated.
“This is a good car; it's just a problem with the air bag,” Griffin said. “But I would never buy another Ford.”
“It took them so long to do something about it," she continued.
The issue goes back to availability of parts, with so many vehicles recalled around the world. It is a struggle for multiple manufacturers but also a concern for drivers.
If you're one of them, keep calling your dealership about parts, and keep pushing to get a free loaner car.
It's easy to find out if your vehicle is part of the recall. Find your VIN number on the lower left hand side of your windshield, or on your door jamb. Type it into NHTSA's website, and it will instantly let you know if your vehicle is on the list.
