Recall repair backlog frustrates drivers
DURHAM (WTVD) -- More than 47 million vehicles have been recalled this year - 29 million by General Motors alone - and drivers are caught in the middle.
Many of the recalls are serious, varying from ignition problems to brake pad issues, which leaves some owners wondering if they're putting their lives in jeopardy.
Drivers like Peggy Sellers have been waiting for months for the recalled parts to come in.
"I just want the part so I can get in the car with confidence and know that I can get in from point A to point B without any issue. That's all I want," Sellers said.
Sellers' Saturn has been on the list for repair since April. She is not alone.
Alice Crawford's Chevrolet Cobalt has been sitting at the dealership since June.
"When I found out about the recall, I said I'm not driving that car. I'm not putting my life at risk," Crawford said.
Crawford's Cobalt falls under the nationwide GM ignition recall.
"Every time I call I get the runaround," she said. "I want my car back."
Crawford's car has been sitting at the Durham Hendricks car lot, along with other vehicles waiting for their recalled part.
"There is nothing we can do to speed it up," Durham Hendricks General Manager Larry Phelps said.
Phelps said he understands the frustrations.
"It's VIN specific, so we can't just order a bulk [shipment] to parts and just fix whatever comes in. We have to actually report the VIN number to General Motors and wait for the specific parts for that car," he said.
As for GM, a representative said they are working as quickly as they can to get the parts made and validated. They're sorry for inconveniencing customers with the recalls, but the safety of their vehicles is their primary concern.
As for Sellers and Crawford, after we started asking questions they both got the good news after months of waiting. Their recalled parts had finally been replaced.
"I'm so excited after all these months. I'm happy," Sellers said.
But not all vehicle owners have been as lucky. Other drivers are still waiting, and two told us they have been waiting all summer, too.
GM says they expect to have enough parts to fix the majority of vehicles by October, but it still will take time to have all the repairs complete.
It is estimated that 1/3 of recall notices are ignored by consumers. If you are unsure if you vehicle is affected, you can look up your VIN number at safercar.gov.
You can also have your local mechanic run your VIN number. If you are concerned about the recent GM recall, visit recalls.gm.com to lookup your VIN number.
