MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The largest auto recall in history could have an impact on the Mid-South.
Takata, the maker of airbags for most car brands, called for more than 34 million airbags to be removed.
That’s one out of every seven vehicles on the road.
This news came after nearly five deaths were linked to faulty airbags.
“It’s bad enough to get in a crash but the airbag is supposed to be protecting you and all of a sudden you’re dead because the airbag killed you,” said driver, Phyllis Coleman.
Coleman shared the fear of many after hearing the news of one of the largest consumer recalls ever.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in several instances Takata’s airbags have exploded and sent shrapnel into the face and body of both the driver and front seat passenger.
The injuries were so bad police on the scenes of crashes said the victims appeared to have been shot or stabbed.
“I mean I got grand kids that I take around to places so yeah I need to know,” said one driver.
Most of the fatalities and recalled cars were made by Honda, but there’s still affected cars made between 2000 and 2011 on the road.
“I’ve been in the business for awhile this is the largest one I’ve seen,” said Stan Norton, a co-partner at City Auto.
Norton said it’s important car owners and dealers do their homework to make sure their cars are in the clear.
“We both have a responsibility to make sure we get this right,” he said.
So how do you know if your car is one of the millions that could be affected?
First, check your VIN number.
You’ll find that number on the inside of your vehicle’s door or on your windshield.
The next step is go to safercar.gov, and from there you can choose a car brand.
Enter the VIN and see if your car is part of the recall.
You can also call 1-888-327-4236 to get help.
For now it’s unknown what’s causing the airbags to explode.
