Takata Air Bag Recall Doubles To Nearly 34 Million

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--It's the largest  in history. A deadly defect could cause the airbag in your car to explode.

Nearly 34 million cars in the U.S. are now recalled and that number could go up.

Meghan McCorkell has more on what's being done to fix the issue.

Federal officials are still trying to determine which cars are on the recall list--- after Takata deemed their airbags defective.

They're supposed to protect you in a crash, but defective airbags from the world's largest manufacturer have now been linked to five deaths.

"You would hope that your device is going to save your life, as opposed to ultimately killing you," Stephanie Jordan said.

The Takata airbags can explode so violently they send metal shrapnel flying into cars. Now, drivers are scrambling to figure out if their vehicle is on the recall list.

Nearly 34 million cars from 11 automakers are impacted and Peter Kitzmiller with the Maryland Auto Dealers Association says there may not be a quick fix.

"The issue for the dealers is we can fix the cars if we have the parts. It's getting the parts that's going to be the issue," said Peter Kitzmiller, Maryland Automobile Dealers Assoc.

That's a process federal officials say could take years.

Nina West-Bridgers asks,"So what are we to do right now in the meantime in the process? Do we not drive?"

Even if you have already had the airbags on your car replaced that doesn't mean you're in the clear. Highway safety officials are now testing replacement airbags to make sure they're safe.

RELATED: What You Need To Know About The Takata Air Bag Recall

"That does mean that some people might have to go back for a second. If we find out the current remedies need to be enhanced, then consumers might have to go back for a second time," said Mark Roseking, NHTSA Administrator.

Takata still hasn't determined the cause of the defect.

"They should be recalled and fixed and not just wait until more people suffer the consequences of it."

Consequences that have already repairs will be prioritized to more humid climates-- where Takata believes the airbag explosions are more likely.

Check if your car is on the recall list by CLICKING HERE.