Millions Of Vehicles Stuck In Recall Repair Limbo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It seems that every time you turn around, we're telling you about another vehicle recall. But just because your car is recalled, that doesn't mean you'll get a quick fix. Some complain there aren't enough parts and mechanics to carry out the repairs right away. 3 On Your Side Consumer Reporter Jim Donovan takes a look at what you can do if you're afraid to wait.
Laura Byers is afraid every time she backs out of her driveway. She says, "I have the stress of wondering if somebody's going to hit me and blow this airbag in my face." According to Byers, her local car dealership tells her that it doesn't have the parts to replace her Takata airbag in her Mazda RX8.
"They can't give me a date when they'll have the parts," says Mary Jane Beronilla. She's waiting for parts for her Ford Fiesta, recalled over a latch issue that could cause the door to fly open while driving full speed down the road. She says, "I feel unsafe and dangerous, but what can I do? I need my car to get around."
2014 was a record breaking year for recalls. 64 million vehicles in the U.S were recalled due to safety defects, some defect serious enough to cause loss of life. That's 64-million vehicles that need to funnel their way through 16-thousand dealerships nationwide for repairs. Repairs that aren't necessarily happening quickly.
For instance, in May 3-On Your Side reported that at the rate Takata air bags are being manufactured, it could be two-and-a-half years before they all get replaced! "The number is absolutely staggering," said Jake Fisher, Director of Auto Testing at Consumer Reports. Fisher says, "It's confusing for consumers to have these vehicles because you can't always get them fixed right away."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration acknowledges part supplies and the availability of repair technicians are both factors in delayed recall repairs.
So what can a concerned vehicle owner do? The Auto Alliance which represents 12 auto manufacturers says owners should request a loaner from the dealer, who will work with the manufacturer. Loaners are given on a case by case basis.
In the meantime Byers and Beronilla just hope their fixes or loaner cars come before they experience the issue that had their vehicles recalled in the first place.
People often confuse auto manufacturers and dealerships thinking they're the same. Remember it's the manufacturer that made the car and supplies the repair parts. Dealers can only fix a recall if they've got the parts.
If you have a relatively new car, two years old or less, you may want to file a lemon law complaint and try to get the manufacturer to buy the vehicle back. If it's an older vehicle, file a complaint online with the government at www.SaferCar.gov