MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In two weeks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is holding a public information meeting about the Takata airbag recall.
At one point, 34 million vehicles had been recalled, but that number has since been revised to 19 million.
There have been 44 recalls spanning across 12 automakers.
Manufacturers continue to send out notices to customers and dealers are making repairs, but for some it simply hasn’t happened fast enough.
Sue Anderson’s 2007 Toyota Corolla was one of the cars recalled because of a defective air bag from Takata.
Anderson showed WREG the notice she received in the mail.
“Some of this is in red, some of this is bold,” said Anderson, who added that the detailed wording got her attention.
According to Anderson, the notice advised her among other things, “I should not let anyone ride in the passenger seat.”
Anderson visited her dealer to get the airbag fixed but said she was turned away.
“They said they were doing Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.”
That certainly didn’t sit well since Memphis borders Mississippi.
WREG has previously reported that manufacturers focused on certain high-humidity states first.
Anderson said the dealership offered her a loaner car until repairs could be made, but she refused.
“Because if I had a wreck in that car then my insurance would have to pay for it,” said Anderson.
Drivers of other makes and models continue to wait for repairs too. In fact, Anderson’s just one of the latest Takata recall customers WREG has spoken with.
Delayed parts keeping cars with defective airbags on the road
A spokesperson from Toyota said while high humidity states are still a focus, the biggest factor in how soon a car is repaired is the age.
Older cars go first, so the recall is being staggered in phases.
The spokesperson emailed 3 On Your Side a timeline that showed dealers are still working on cars dating back to 2003.
The spokesperson said 2005 models will be next.
It’s also important to note that customers who’ve received a letter will get a second notice, followed by a reminder when it’s time to go in for repairs.
As far as parts go, manufacturers are relying on suppliers in addition to Takata to meet demands.
Anderson, who enjoys her occasional lunches with friends and taking the grandchildren out, said she just wants a better idea of when someone can ride next to her.
“I would like them to tell me when they’re going to fix it. I mean, just give me an idea,” she said.
The NHTSA Public Information Meeting will be held Thursday, October 22. The agency will update the media and public on the progress of the recall, the parts supply, and research findings into what is causing the abnormal airbag deployments.
NHTSA is also taking public comment on the matter before and after that meeting.
Click here to get details on how to send a comment by mail, email or online.
