Air Bag Warning Has Car Dealerships Flooded With Calls
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Car dealerships in the Chicago area said they're getting a lot of calls from people wondering if their cars are part of a recall of defective airbags.
Nearly 8 million air bags are involved in the recall, in vehicles that are at least six years old.
When activated, the inflation mechanism can explode, sending flying shrapnel at the person the air bag is supposed to protect.
The inflators are made by Japanese parts supplier Takata Corp., and most of the vehicles that are subject to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warning were already part of existing recalls.
Manufacturers might have limited the recalls to southern states, as the problem is caused by consistent heat and high humidity.
"You're probably less at a risk in the Chicago area than in place where warm and humid…nonetheless…it's still a cause for concern for anybody," said auto industry analyst John McElroy, host of AutoLine.tv.
McElroy said there is a temporary fix if your car does fall under the recall, and parts aren't in yet.
"You can have your mechanic or your dealership deactivate the air bag," he said.
Car manufacturers involved are Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, Ford, Chrysler, and BMW.