Sen. Bill Nelson is calling on major automakers today to make repairs faster after millions of vehicles were recalled because of potentially lethal airbags. Nelson wants automakers to make repairs immediately.
More than 14 million cars have been recalled worldwide by 11 automakers, and many say they’re not prepared to repair that many airbags. The automakers don’t have the supplies they need.
Nelson is also asking that the automakers provide a loaner car or a rental car when the don't have the parts to immediately fix an airbag. But according to the Tampa Bay Times, Bay area dealerships are so overwhelmed they’re running out of loaners and rentals, too.
So far, authorities say the faulty airbags have killed three people, including an Orlando woman, and they’ve hurt at least 30 more.
Now, the Obama Administration is getting involved. It’s launching a comprehensive review of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Department of Transportation will do the review. According to an investigation by the New York Times in September, the NHTSA has had other problems. The newspaper found that the agnecy has been consistently slow to identify safety problems and take action.
On top of those problems, a tool on the NHTSA’s website that allows you to search your vehicle’s VIN number to see if your a car is affected by the recall didn't work for the first two days it was offered. It is working now.
Nelson will make an announcement from the Tampa Federal Courthouse on Monday afternoon.