The Takata airbag recall has been the largest automotive recall in history. The recall is centered around airbags which can explode with too much force, sending deadly shrapnel flying through vehicles. Almost two dozen deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide are blamed on the defective airbags. The recall has affected most major automakers, including brands like Honda, Toyota, Ford, Chevy, Nissan, and many more. Although many of the automakers are trying to get the recalled vehicles fixed as fast as possible, some are looking for waivers so that they do not have to recall vehicles. GM is one such company, as WCPO reports.
3 million full-sized SUVs and trucks are on the recall list for having Takata airbags that may rupture with too much force. These include 2007-2011 model Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Sierra, and the Cadillac Escalade.
However, owners of these vehicles are saying that they have been unable to get their airbags replaced.
One such owner is Steve Helton, of Loveland, Ohio. He purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban for family road trips. Ever since he received a letter three years ago stating that his vehicle had Takata airbags on the recall list, he has refused to drive his family in the vehicle.
He also says that he has been unable to get the vehicle fixed because the dealers do not have the parts.
For its part, GM has petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for an exemption from any further airbag recalls. The company says that the airbags in their full-size SUVs are different than the ones in the recall. GM says that these airbags were made to exacting GM specifications and have not ruptured in laboratory or field testing.
However, the Center for Auto Safety is asking the NHTSA to deny GM the waiver. They do not believe that GM has proven that their airbags are distinctly different from the ones being recalled.
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