The worldwide recall came because the air bags can explode when they deploy and send shrapnel into people’s faces, but the high demand for repairs is forcing millions to have to wait.
The recall affects about 19 million cars and that high volume causes a backup in repairs.
The recall is an issue blamed for several deaths in the country; something that many people have been aware of for months, but no matter how they try they can’t get their cars fixed.
And for a lot of people their only choice is to keep driving.
“I look at my steering wheel, where the air bag is, and I hope that I get home safely,” said Gail Owen.
Imagine having your car for years, only to find an accident could send pieces of metal into your face from the thing that’s supposed to save your life; an airbag.
That’s exactly what Myrtle Beach resident Gail Owen has dealt with for months.
But Owen is among millions of other people in the country who are dealing with the problem.
She says she had her Toyota for five years, and then she got a letter in July saying her car was a part of the recall.
“Important safety recall: Toyota strongly recommends that you have this done immediately,” Owen said the letter reads.
Four months later, she still hasn’t gotten the problem fixed, but not from a lack of trying.
“They don’t have the part; they weren’t set the part; they’re still waiting for the part,” said Owen.
News 13 called Spark’s Toyota where Owen says she tried to get her car fixed.
They would not talk to us on camera, but an employee said this is a national issue.
The problem is the demand for parts far surpasses the ability to supply them.
Last month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said less than 1/4 of affected cars had been fixed.
News 13 reached to Takata’s corporate offices for comment but was unable to reach them.
Meanwhile, millions like Owen continue to drive around in possibly a dangerous vehicle.
“I had my children in the car, I had a lot of passengers in the car; so now I feel lucky that nobody was injured but the problem is still there,” she said.
At this point, the transportation department is pushing Takata to speed up repairs. The company also faces up to $200 million in fines.
If you are uncertain if your car is affected you can check here for a full list of recalled vehicles.
