LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It's the largest safety recall in U.S. history and it's not finished yet. Five years after a national recall was launched, there are still millions of dangerous and potentially deadly airbags on the road. Contact 13's Tricia Kean has a look at everything you need to know in order to stay safe.
"I like to pay attention to it," says valley driver, Kathleen.
She considers herself a responsible car owner. She watches out for safety recalls on her vehicles.
"Two or three of our cars, we've had recalls before," says Kathleen.
When that happens, she makes sure to get the necessary repairs done right away. Many people don't.
"There's so much going on in life, people just don't pay attention. If it's not something that affects them immediately, they just don't hear that message," says Tyler Corder, CFO of Findlay Auto Group.
This message is pretty cut-and-dried: if your vehicle is part of the Takata recall, get your airbag replaced. Corder is still working to get the word out.
This month marks 5 years since the government called for a national recall. The problem is half a decade later, millions of drivers still don't seem to know their car is part of the biggest recall ever.
Mazda, BMW and Mercedes, Ford, Chrysler, Honda and Toyota. The list includes 19 different automakers, which have recalled vehicle models ranging from 2002 through 2015 because they need the driver or passenger side airbags replaced.
The airbag inflator, supplied by the company Takata, could unnecessarily go off with explosive results.
To date, there have been 16 deaths in the U.S. The latest driver died just last june, in Arizona. Worldwide, there have been at least 24 deaths and 300 injuries.
So how do you know if your car is affected? First, you'll need your vehicle identification number. It's located right inside the windshield of your car. Just snap a quick picture. Then go to the website safercar.gov.
"Enter your VIN number, your Vehicle Identification Number from your car and it will tell you if there's a recall. Whether it's a Takata airbag recall or any type of recall on your car," says Corder.
Finally if your car is affected, call your local dealership and schedule an appointment.
"Manufacturers are taking care of the cost of that repair being done. So there's no cost to the consumer," says Corder.
Even if you've checked before and weren't affected, check again. According to Consumer Reports, the recall has tripled in size over the past year. It's expected that the Takata recall impacts more than 41 million vehicles, just in the U.S.
"You don't wanna take that chance with you and your family. So the message is for safety, get it checked out. See if your car is on the list," says Corder.
