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Honda owners dealing with extensive airbag repair delays

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NORWOOD, Mass. — Drivers across the country are risking injury every time they get behind the wheel due to a delay in repairing defective airbags.

Mechanics tell FOX25 the problem is they just aren’t getting the parts in to make the required repairs fast enough.

The problem is caused by the massive Takata airbag recall impacting 20 brands. Honda drivers are especially feeling the brunt of the problem.

“I was very surprised that they said it’s not available, we don't have it,” Matt Bossi, a Honda owner, told FOX25. “At the time, they told me it could take months.”

The Honda recall covers vehicles made stretching as far back as 2001.

“It seems like most Hondas have an airbag problem. It's supply and demand. If they can't have the parts they can't fix the cars,” Steve Peluso, the manager of Lee Myles Transmission in West Roxbury, said.

Honda told FOX25 recalls announced earlier this year have created a backlog of vehicles needing airbag repair.

The company said it wants all affected vehicle owners to get the problem fixed, especially drivers of older Hondas and Acuras made from 2001 to 2003 because research has shown those airbags are more likely to explosively detonate.

Bossi was able to get his airbag repaired in a month after taking it to the dealer, but not everyone is so lucky.

“Be courteous to the dealer. They're not making the parts and they're not supplying the parts,” Peluso said.

Honda told FOX25 it’s important to visit a dealer and request a repair so owners can get added to the waiting list. The company said drivers can also inquire about a free rental car while waiting for the repair and a free tow for owners afraid to drive their car to the dealers.

According to Honda, the repair parts for "the vast majority" of Honda and Acura vehicles, including the 2001-2003 vehicles are available.

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