Takata Airbag Recall - The Long Wait

Lord Fart Bucket on 26/09/2017 - 13:25
Last edited 26/09/2017 - 14:38 by 1 other user

Good afternoon OzB WP.

Yep, like many people, I drive a car with one (or more) Takata airbags in it. And yes, it's on the list to be replaced… I registered with Subaru 2 months ago and they have got me down for a replacement.

I thought I'd give them a call when I will hear something. The friendly girl on the phone gave the standard answer… short on parts, don't know when, don't call us, we'll call you. Spoke to someone at Subaru, they tell me it's likely at the end of the year, at least another 2 months away before they have parts.

Now, I am aware this isn't a small recall… worldwide millions of cars affected. But here's my question… would it be safer to have the Takata's taken out and drive around without an airbag, rather than have a potentially fatal airbag? What would be the rules? What would be the options? Do I just have to sit and pray that I have no collisions for 2 months (while my driving style is very laid back and reserved, I live in the Sydney metro area, this can't be said for all other road users…)

Yes, did wish WP a good afternoon… lack of sleep does that to a person. Better not drive today.

Automotive

Comments

  • Nugs on 26/09/2017 - 13:39

    who is WP?

    • gaz3342 on 26/09/2017 - 13:45
      +2

      He copied and pasted his post from Whirlpool.

    • boomramada on 26/09/2017 - 13:46

      cpy/paste from whirlpool? :)

      @gaz3342 you were fast :)

  • retiredfeline on 26/09/2017 - 13:50
    +3

    If you leave the airbag in, your chance of dying is: chance of dying in crash with an airbag + chance of being killed by airbag.

    If you take out the airbag, your chance of dying is: chance of dying in crash without an airbag.

    You work out which you would prefer.

    • Lord Fart Bucket on 26/09/2017 - 14:12
      +1

      I disagree:
      Leave airbag in: collission which sets of the airbag but doesnt have to be fatal: Chance of being fatal increases.
      Take airbag out: collission which sets of the airbag but doesnt have to be fatal: Less chance of being fatal, since there's no potentially lethal airbag.

      • retiredfeline on 26/09/2017 - 14:57

        Numbers please.

        • Lord Fart Bucket on 26/09/2017 - 16:22

          I’ll take it out, crash the car, install it, crash it again.
          If I can report airlifted the first crash, it wasn’t fatal… if you don’t hear from me after the second crash, I have proven my point

      • Ryanek on 26/09/2017 - 15:28

        Your analysis is skewed.

  • pantsparty on 26/09/2017 - 14:04

    I received a letter from Toyota a few months ago saying they would let me know when the parts have arrived - I am not holding my breath. I am sure the experts have done an analysis on exactly what you are suggesting - removing airbag vs leaving it in. There were a few models which were advised as do not drive which were being towed back to dealerships for airbag replacement - I think that was in the US however.

    • Lord Fart Bucket on 26/09/2017 - 14:07

      that was in the US however.

      Yes, where companies are a bit more scared of being sued.

  • dcuksuop on 26/09/2017 - 15:05
    +5

    I feel it's safer with the "recalled" airbag than without. The airbag has a chance of failing (hence the recall), doesn't mean it will definitely fail.
    Probably has a much greater probability that it would work fine. Also depends, risk of failure is greater if you live in a humid area by the ocean.

    • [Deactivated] on 26/09/2017 - 18:11

      To put the chance of failing in perspective: there have been no incidents of Takata airbag failure in a Subaru vehicle in Australia. Also only front passenger airbag is affected and replaced by the recall, the driver’s side front airbag is not affected.

  • Neilzy on 26/09/2017 - 16:43
    +2

    Have a read of Iron Chefs (grey vehicle purchasing agent) article. He puts it into perspective in lay-mans terms.

    http://www.ironchefimports.com/2017/07/24/takata-airbag-reca…

    You guys who get recall letters should be happy that something is being done, if at all. I drive a grey import and we get no such support.

  • chumlee on 26/09/2017 - 17:00
    +1

    Tell them your lawyer has been briefed should you have an injury from the airbags and he has instructions to file a negligence writ.

  • [Deactivated] on 27/09/2017 - 08:20
    +2

    Leave the airbag in but drive as if you didn't.

  • skyva on 27/09/2017 - 10:18
    +1

    My understanding is that the issue with the airbags gets worse with time, so it is only really bad if your car is over 6 years old. Not sure how old your car is.

  • cimrak on 27/09/2017 - 17:35

    I drive a Mazda that is on the Takata recall list. Didnt get any letter about it, but checked my VIN manually to find out if it was part of the recall.

    Called up for a normal service and mentioned the car needed the airbag done as part of the recall.

    Booked in & done the following week. Sticker confirming it was done was put inside the drivers door well.

    So that could be an option for you to try? Maybe because I paid for the normal service I went to the front of the line?

  • kiitos on 27/09/2017 - 18:15

    My airbag/s in my Mazda 6 were changed in December, now have another letter telling me to wait for another change.

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