Billy Covington If you own a Subaru, chances are you’ve heard of the Takata airbag recall. This massive recall affected millions of cars globally, with the potential to cause serious personal injury or even death. While Subaru has been proactive in replacing the faulty airbags, some owners may have been left frustrated by delays or a lack of response from the automaker. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Takata airbag recall and why some Subaru owners may be struggling to get their airbags replaced.
The Takata Airbag Scandal
The Takata airbag scandal is one of the largest and most complex recall campaigns in automotive history. Takata, a Japanese automotive parts manufacturer, produced millions of airbag inflators that were used in cars produced by more than a dozen automakers. However, due to a manufacturing defect, these inflators can rupture when deployed, shooting metal shrapnel into the passenger compartment. This defect has been linked to hundreds of injuries and more than 20 deaths worldwide.
The recall has been ongoing since 2013 and, to date, has affected approximately 100 million cars globally. In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been coordinating the recall efforts and has set deadlines for automakers to complete the recall. However, due to the scale of the issue and the complexity of the manufacturing process, the process has been slow and frustrating for many car owners.
Subaru Models Affected by the Takata Recall
Subaru is one of the automakers affected by the Takata airbag scandal. The following Subaru models are affected by the recall:
- 2003-2006 Baja
- 2009-2013 Forester
- 2004-2011 Impreza, including WRX and STi
- 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback
- 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X
If you own one of these models and have not yet had your airbag replaced, you may be at risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.
Getting Your Subaru Airbag Replaced
If you’ve been notified that your Subaru is affected by the Takata airbag recall, you should take immediate action to get it replaced. Subaru has set up a website where you can check if your car is affected by the recall by entering your car’s VIN number. If your car is affected, you can then schedule an appointment with your local Subaru dealer to have the airbag replaced.
However, some Subaru owners may have encountered difficulties getting their airbags replaced. For example, some may have been told that their airbag is not considered high-risk and therefore not eligible for replacement. Others may have experienced delays in getting an appointment or have had trouble contacting their dealer. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you’re not alone.
Why Subaru May Not Replace Some Takata Airbags Immediately
Subaru, like other automakers affected by the recall, is doing its best to replace all affected airbags as quickly as possible. However, there are several reasons why some airbags may not be replaced immediately. These include:
- Lack of available replacement parts: With millions of airbags needing to be replaced, there may be delays in getting the required parts to dealers. Subaru has been working closely with Takata and other suppliers to ensure a steady supply of parts, but the logistics of getting those parts to dealerships can be complex.
- Prioritization of high-risk vehicles: While all affected vehicles are important, those with the highest-risk airbags are given priority. If your airbag is not considered high-risk, you may have to wait longer for a replacement.
- Labor shortages: With so many owners needing their airbags replaced, dealerships may be experiencing a manpower shortage. Some dealerships may have difficulty finding qualified technicians to perform the work, which can lead to delays.
These issues can be frustrating for car owners who are concerned for their safety and want their airbags replaced as soon as possible. However, it’s important to recognize that Subaru and other automakers are doing their best to address the issue within the constraints they face.
Alternatives for Subaru Owners Unable to Get Their Airbags Replaced
If you’ve been unable to get your Takata airbag replaced, there are several options available to you. These include:
- Contacting Subaru customer service: If you’re having trouble getting your airbag replaced, you should contact Subaru customer service for assistance. They may be able to help you schedule an appointment or connect you with a dealer who has available parts.
- Requesting a loaner car: If your airbag is deemed high-risk but you’re unable to get it replaced immediately, you may be able to request a loaner car from Subaru. This can help you stay safe while you wait for your airbag replacement appointment.
- Seeking legal assistance: If you’ve experienced personal injury or other damages related to a faulty airbag, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to speak with a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the legal process.
Conclusion
The Takata airbag recall has highlighted the importance of automotive safety and the collaborative effort required to address a massive issue that affects millions of car owners. If you own a Subaru affected by the recall, it’s important to take immediate action to get your airbag replaced. While there may be roadblocks along the way, Subaru and other automakers are committed to addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of all their customers. By staying informed and working together, we can help prevent further injury or loss of life due to faulty airbags.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if my Subaru is affected by the Takata airbag recall?
A: You can check if your car is affected by the recall by entering your car’s VIN number on the Subaru website.
Q: What should I do if I’m having trouble getting my airbag replaced?
A: You should contact Subaru customer service for assistance. They may be able to help you schedule an appointment or connect you with a dealer who has available parts.
Q: What if my airbag is not deemed high-risk, but I still want it replaced?
A: You should continue to work with your local Subaru dealer to schedule an appointment for replacement. However, you may have to wait longer if your airbag is not considered high-risk.
Q: What if I’ve experienced personal injury or damages related to a faulty airbag?
A: You may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to speak with a qualified attorney who can help you navigate the legal process.
