Action 9

Action 9 investigates how airbag recall delays cost drivers thousands

ORLANDO,Fla. — The massive Takata airbag recall ordeal is getting even tougher for many local drivers who've waited months for replacements.

Without repairs, they've discovered their vehicles are impossible to sell without taking a huge loss.

The 2014 Ford Mustang never leaves the driveway. Natalie Lee and her husband bought it for their son.

“Will he ever drive this car?” asked Todd Ulrich.

“No, I don't want anyone inside that car,” replied Lee.

Months after buying the Mustang, they found out it has an open recall. Its Takata airbags have been recalled because of a ruptured inflator that could seriously injure or even kill a passenger.

Ford can't tell her when replacement airbags will be available.

She tried to sell it at a major dealer. “He told me he would not take my car as a trade because it had an open recall,” said Lee.

Yamil Gacel never allows anyone in the front passenger seat of his Toyota Sienna. He said it’s too dangerous because of the Takata recall.  The automaker can't say when it will be replaced, and selling it means taking a big loss. “It's not an option until this whole thing is resolved,” said Gacel.

The Takata recall covers 34 million vehicles, Records show 9 million have been fixed.

The replacement shortage is so severe, some drivers have waited a year. Tired of waiting, some frustrated car owners have tried to sell their vehicles.

That's when they found out  dealerships don't what that car back.

“They don't want to take it on trade, because it's got a recall, that they themselves can't get the airbags replaced,” said repair expert Jay Zembower.

Consumer experts warn, if buying new or used cars, ask for an airbag recall disclosure in writing.

If your vehicle's airbags are recalled, keep pressing the dealer or automaker for loaner vehicles and delivery dates.

“Nobody has an answer for us, when they will be produced,” said Lee.

Federal regulators have set a schedule so customers living in Florida and high humidity areas are given priority. Humidity causes the devices to fail at a higher rate.