Garage won’t give my car back because of airbags?

[Staffielove23]

The airbags in my Honda were recently recalled so I booked the car in at my nearest Honda dealership- 40 miles away. I got there just after 9am and waited in a nearby Starbucks. I was waiting for about five hours to be told the garage couldn’t replace the airbags because they needed a part they didn’t have. Then I was told I wouldn’t be able to get the car back because it’s unsafe to drive and they don’t have any courtesy cars available leaving me stranded fourth miles away from home. I asked what they expected me to do in this situation and the guy offered me a lift to the bus stop… I don’t fancy getting in a random person’s car and there are no buses where I live anyway (rural). I didn’t think airbags were mandatory so don’t understand why I couldn’t drive it home and return when they have the part required, and I think the way they handled it was appalling.

I didn't say it was a legal requirement to have airbags on the road. Yes,you can disable passenger side airbag, not drivers side. My DH has been in the motor trade almost 50 years, this is what they were taught regarding safety issues.

Spoke to them again today at the garage and apparently the part needed to fit the airbag isn’t a routine part hence they didn’t have it. I can kind of understand that but refusing me the keys to my own car when it has a valid MOT due to a lack of airbags isn’t right. Neither is leaving me stranded and carless due to a recall. I had to go to this garage because it was Honda therefore it was free to get the airbags changed whereas I’d have to pay at local garage. Honda head office said my car is too old (ten years) therefore I don’t qualify for assistance to get a hire car whereas the garage say they have no hire cars. It’s nuts. I asked to speak higher up but he said he was head of customer services and complaints. I can’t believe this is how they treat people. Apparently the part has been ordered so fingers crossed I’ll have the car back by end of the week. Never again.

I have done it. I accidentally tweeted American Honda and they responded within fifteen minutes but then obviously couldn’t help me, whereas HondaUk have been silent.

@Staffielove23 that's bullshit from them. When we needed our airbag changed by Mercedes for a similar recall issue, the nearest dealership gave us a booking date and then ensured they had the part in stock which would be the sane thing to do.
They should have just apologised for wasting your time and booked you on for an appointment on a date when they would have the part. It's not like they didn't know in advance why you were coming in.

The age of the car is immaterial. The recall applies to your car, so in my view they have to make sure you are not in a lesser position while they do the work. That means giving you a courtesy car or paying for a hire car.

I have a Honda dealer quite literally round the corner from me (less than 5 minutes walk), so I don't need a courtesy car when I get a service, but they always offer one. And my car isn't even a Honda! I have no idea what they are playing at here. I would still raise this with one of the consumer press or specialist auto press.

Oh and warning to everyone, I was just looking at the Honda twitter page and there is another recall (about seat belts). Only in the US and Canada currently, so might not affect European models.

@Mirabai PACOS switch only disables passengers airbag afaik.