Millions Of Autos Recalled Because Of Faulty Air Bags
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Injury or death by airbag -- it's a significant claim that auto manufacturers are taking seriously, as a growing number of individuals are hurt like Stephanie Erdman who barely survived.
"Instant blindness on my right side followed by gushing blood side. It was terrifying. I thought I was going to bleed out," said Erdman, a Florida owner of a Honda Civic.
Erdman was injured when an airbag in her car exploded upon deployment sending metal shrapnel into her body.
She survived while at least four may have been killed.
The problem?
A faulty airbag installed in some cars manufactured in the early to mid-2000s.
"It's a supplier issue, not a manufacturer issue," John Putzier told KDKA money editor Jon Delano.
"The supplier is Takata. They're based in Tokyo and they're the manufacturers of these faulty airbags," said Putzier, the president of the Greater Pittsburgh Automobile Dealers Association.
About 20 percent of airbags are made by Takata.
Putzier says Takata fixed the airbags for newer models, but since last year there's been a recall for older cars.
"It's only six brands that are affected," Putzier said. "So if you're not driving a Toyota, a Honda, a Mazda, a BMW, a Nissan, or a General Motors vehicle, you don't have to worry."
And it's only some, not all, of the models these manufacturers.
It may be this is not a huge problem in Pittsburgh.
Why? Because these airbags seem to be affected most by high humidity.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall is urgent for car-owners in humid climates like Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. But if your car is listed -- don't take a chance -- replace the airbag now.
KDKA-TV has a complete list of the affected cars and a link to the government website where you can enter your car's VIN or vehicle identification number to see if it has been recalled.
RECALL: Click here to see the list
If it is, says Putzier, "Call the dealership first because it's a parts issue as well, but they are prepared to replace the airbag."
To check your VIN number, visit: http://www.safercar.gov/.
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