The Biggest U.S. Auto Recalls Can Be Really Big Messes
- Corrects that Jorgensen's Toyota didn't use Takata air bag
- `Waiting four years for replacement parts is too long'
A deployed airbag from a 2001 Honda Accord.
Photographer: Joe Raedle/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Craig Jorgensen owns a Honda CR-V and a Toyota Avalon, both recalled to fix defective air bags. His experience shows just how complicated the process is.
The Honda was fixed within days after Jorgensen received letters saying potentially deadly air bags made by Takata Corp. had to be swapped out. But five months later, he said, his local Toyota dealer still has no idea when replacement parts will arrive from TRW Automotive to fix faulty electronics in his air bags. The 70-year-old from Issaquah, Washington, is still driving the Avalon anyway -- something most Americans with recalled vehicles are doing.