While consumers, dealers and automakers in the United States are waiting for replacement airbags from Takata, recalls in Japan are being fulfilled faster.
Automotive News reports out of 3.05 million vehicles under recall in the supplier’s home market due to its airbags — linked to five fatalities and several injuries as a result of catastrophic failure — 2.13 million — 70 percent — have been repaired through the end of February 2015.
Meanwhile, out of the 17 million vehicles in the U.S. under recall for the same issue, less than 2 million — 12 percent — were repaired through late February.
The stark differences between the two countries are the result of how Japan’s authorities and consumers deal with recalls compared to those in the U.S. In the former, consumers respond well to recalls, and few keep vehicles for as long as those in the latter do. Further, tighter safety and emission inspections not only help keep vehicle records up to date, but can serve to warn consumers of potential problems. Finally, the used car market isn’t as robust as it is in the U.S., making it easier for automakers to contact owners in case of a recall, as cars don’t change owners as often.
The big fat joke is on us. Before trading my ’05 Ram 1500 last week, I had checked for a recall on it (per one article that included that model year). The Chrysler did, in fact, note there is a pending recall on the ’05 Ram 1500, but due to a shortage of replacement parts, I would be notified when they’d be available.
This was actually a couple of months ago that I looked it up, so how long does it take? Meantime, how many others are going to die when the defective ones explode?
Our 2006 Jeep Commander has the same/similar recall. I finally got around to calling my local dealer after getting the papers fall 2014 & was told parts would not be available until May 2015. Guess it can’t be too serious.