500,000 people have not replaced their deadly Takata airbags...this is your final warning, PLUS we dip into the guru mailbag
About this episode
Half a million drivers are still rolling with unreplaced Takata airbags, and the host calls it deadly—then walks listeners through using the 17-digit VIN to check open recalls and what to do if you’ve already had replacements. After the safety warning, the guru mailbag pivots to practical ownership: inspect for damage before leaving the dealership, set cold tire pressure from the door jamb or owner’s manual, and understand oil consumption and battery/starting issues.
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Takata airbag recall
"Remember the Takata airbag situation, the recall? ... This Takata airbag recall is very important because it can be deadly."
Takata made airbags that were later found to be unsafe. This recall is about fixing cars where the airbag can break apart when it deploys, which can seriously injure or kill people.
The Takata airbag recall refers to a safety campaign for certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags that can malfunction. If the inflator ruptures, the airbag can deploy with dangerous metal fragments instead of containing the explosion safely.
replacement airbag
"We replaced hundreds and hundreds of airbags. ... Some of these people have had to come back more than once to change the replacement airbag out because there was something wrong with it."
A replacement airbag is the new airbag module installed when a recall requires the original unit to be swapped out. In this case, the host notes some owners had to return again because the replacement airbag had an issue.
VIN number
"Folks, you need to get your VIN number and call the, that's your 17 digit VIN number ..."
Your VIN number is like your car’s unique ID. Dealerships use it to check whether your specific vehicle has any open recalls that need fixing.
A VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number) is a unique 17-character code assigned to a specific vehicle. Automakers and dealerships use it to look up the exact recall and service history that applies to that car.
metal casing
"So what happens, there's this container that the airbag is surrounded with ... Well, what was happened with the Takata airbags is that the metal casing that is supposed"
The airbag has a metal housing meant to hold everything together when it goes off. If that housing fails, parts can break loose and cause injuries.
In an airbag system, the metal casing is part of the inflator/airbag module that is intended to contain the explosive event. The host is describing a failure mode where the casing doesn’t behave as designed, allowing dangerous fragments during deployment.
Ford Explorer Sport Track
"My wife was driving a, what was that? [187.4s] It was a, what did they call those things? [189.7s] It was a Ford Explorer Sport Track. [193.2s] That's what it was. [194.2s] It had a Takata airbag in it."
This is a version of the Ford Explorer. The host says their wife’s Explorer Sport Track had a Takata airbag, and once they confirmed it with the VIN, they stopped letting her drive it.
The Ford Explorer Sport Track is a Ford Explorer trim/variant that can be subject to safety recalls, including Takata airbag replacements. In this episode, the host’s wife’s Explorer Sport Track had a Takata airbag identified via the VIN and was taken out of service.
recalled airbags
"Within seconds, he said, yep, this is one of the recalled airbags. [204.6s] And so I didn't let her drive it anymore."
Recalled airbags are airbag systems that the manufacturer has identified as needing a safety fix. For Takata, the recall is tied to inflator failure that can cause dangerous rupture and fragment projection.
Chevrolet Corvair
"That's why I have the 1962 Corvair Rampside truck for her to use at the house. And she loves it."
This is a 1962 Chevrolet Corvair pickup. It’s special because it uses a flat engine mounted in the back, and the “Rampside” version has a ramp-style cargo area that makes loading easier.
The Chevrolet Corvair is an early-1960s compact that’s notable for its rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-six engine layout. The “Rampside” refers to a Corvair pickup variant with a distinctive ramp-style cargo opening, making it feel more like a small utility truck than a typical sedan-based pickup.
rear hatch
"It's not cheap because we had to order new emblems for the rear hatch because we [384.8s] can't take the, you know, like the name brand of the vehicle and, you know, the [388.5s] model and stuff."
The rear hatch is the back door of the car that swings open to get to the trunk/cargo space. If something is damaged there, it often affects the badges and how the repair looks.
The rear hatch is the hinged door at the back of a hatchback or crossover that opens to access the cargo area. In body-shop work, it’s a common place for emblems/badges and for visible cosmetic repairs.
Nissan Rogue
"This was a Nissan Rogue. [392.1s] We, we have to replace all those with new pieces."
A Nissan Rogue is a popular Nissan SUV. In this part of the episode, they’re dealing with cosmetic damage or mismatched parts on the back of the car and having a body shop replace the badges/emblems.
The Nissan Rogue is a compact crossover SUV from Nissan, and it’s the specific vehicle being discussed in this story. Here, the host is talking about replacing exterior badges/emblems on the rear hatch, which is a common kind of body-shop work after damage or when parts don’t match.
tape lines
"And I tell the, the, the body shop that does, I said, no tape lines. [400.2s] I don't want any tape lines on this thing. [401.5s] It's got to be perfect."
Tape lines are the noticeable edges you can sometimes see where painters used tape to mask off areas. The host is saying they don’t want those visible edges on the finished repair.
Tape lines are visible paint boundaries created when masking tape is used to protect surrounding areas during repainting. A good paint job minimizes or eliminates them so the new paint blends seamlessly with the old finish.
body shop
"And I tell the, the, the body shop that does, I said, no tape lines. [400.2s] I don't want any tape lines on this thing. [401.5s] It's got to be perfect."
A body shop is where you take a car when the outside is damaged. They can repaint it and make repairs look right, including things like badges and emblems.
A body shop is a repair facility that fixes vehicle exterior damage—like dents, scratches, and broken trim—and handles repainting. In this segment, the host is paying for precise emblem placement and paintwork quality.
touch up paint
"You're going to have to go to a body shop, get somebody or just get some [427.4s] touch up paint and touch it up and just live and learn."
Touch up paint is the small paint you use to cover minor scratches or chips. It’s more of a quick cosmetic fix than a full professional repaint.
Touch up paint is small-quantity paint used to cover minor chips, scratches, or scuffs. It’s typically a cosmetic fix meant to reduce visibility, not a full repaint like a body shop would do.
check your oil
"If you bought a new car and you drove it a thousand miles and you were [447.8s] checking your oil, you know that it was full because when you got it home, you"
Checking your oil means making sure the engine has enough oil. If the oil level is too low, the engine isn’t lubricated properly and can wear out faster.
Checking your oil means using the engine oil dipstick or dashboard indicator to confirm the oil level is within the safe range. It’s part of basic vehicle care because too little oil can lead to engine damage.
level ground
"and you were on level ground and"
You check fluids like oil on flat ground so the reading is accurate. If the car is on a slope, the oil level can look wrong.
Level ground is important when checking fluid levels because an uneven surface can skew the reading on the dipstick or reservoir. For oil, that can make the level look higher or lower than it really is.
oil consumption test
"And then I would probably be contacted by the dealership once the complaint hit them and then we would go in and we'd do an oil consumption test. We, we changed the oil, make sure it's at the full mark, drive it for 1000"
It’s a way to measure whether your engine is using too much oil. They fill it to the correct level, drive a certain distance, then check how much oil is missing.
An oil consumption test is a controlled check where a shop measures how much engine oil the car uses over a set distance. The idea is to compare the oil level before and after driving to see whether the engine is burning oil faster than expected.
oil was still at the full mark
"If I take my vehicle in to get the oil changed, I'm going to ask them to please tell me if the, uh, if the oil was still at the full mark or how much it had used because I'm going to check my oil once a month."
The “full mark” is the correct oil level on the dipstick. If the level drops below it, the engine may be using oil faster than it should.
“Full mark” refers to the correct level on the engine oil dipstick. Checking whether the oil is still at that mark helps determine whether the engine is consuming oil between oil changes.
alignment
"So this lady said that her steering wheel is way off center. Does that mean that her alignment is off?"
Alignment is how the wheels are set so the car tracks straight. If your steering wheel isn’t centered, it can mean the wheels aren’t pointed correctly.
Wheel alignment is the adjustment of how the tires sit relative to the road, including angles like toe and camber. If the steering wheel is off-center, it can be a sign the alignment (or steering linkage) needs correction.
steering wheel is crooked
"one of the things you can do to get it straightened up is to [705.0s] take it to the dealership, tell them that your steering wheel is crooked. [710.1s] You know, that just drives me nuts."
This means the steering wheel isn’t centered/level. Even if the car goes forward, a crooked wheel usually indicates the alignment or steering setup wasn’t adjusted to match the wheel’s true center.
“Steering wheel is crooked” describes a steering-wheel center offset—when the wheel isn’t level even though the car is driving straight. This often happens when the front alignment is set without centering the steering wheel, or when the steering linkage has play or was disturbed.
worn out bushings
"Not only was my vehicle out of alignment, but it had some worn out bushings in the suspension. And I'm glad we caught that."
Bushings are small rubber parts in the suspension that help everything move smoothly. If they wear out, the car can feel loose or sloppy because the suspension parts aren’t held as tightly as they should be.
Bushings are rubber or elastomer parts that sit between suspension components to reduce vibration and allow controlled movement. When bushings wear out, the suspension can develop extra looseness, which makes steering feel vague and handling less precise.
steering had gotten loose
"And plus my steering had gotten loose. Do you have a lot of play in your steering?"
Loose steering means the steering wheel can move a bit before the car actually changes direction. That makes the car harder to control and can be a sign that parts in the steering or suspension are worn.
“Loose” steering usually means there’s excessive free play or looseness in the steering system, so the wheels don’t respond instantly to small steering inputs. That can come from worn suspension components, steering linkage play, or alignment-related issues, and it reduces steering precision.
owners manual
"you don't go by what it says on the side of the tire, you go by what it says in the door jam or in your owner's manual."
Your owner’s manual is the book (or app) from the car maker. It tells you the correct settings for your specific car—like the right tire pressure to use when the tires are cold.
The owner’s manual is the manufacturer’s guide that includes the correct operating specifications for your exact vehicle. For tire pressure, it’s the authoritative source for the recommended “cold” pressures and any load-related adjustments.
door jam
"And I always say, well, folks, you don't go by what it says on the side of the tire, you go by what it says in the door jam or in your owner's manual."
The “door jamb” is the part of the car frame you see when the door is open. Car makers often put a sticker there with the correct tire pressure for your car.
The “door jamb” is the area on the car’s door frame where manufacturers often place the tire and vehicle-specification label. That label typically lists the correct tire pressures for your specific vehicle and load conditions.
cold
"The tire pressure, recommended pressure cold on the tires is 32 pounds in the owner's manual of the Corvair."
“Cold” tire pressure means you check the tires before you drive much, when they’re not hot. Hot tires can read higher than they really are, so “cold” is the best way to get the correct number.
“Cold” tire pressure means measuring tire pressure when the tires haven’t been driven recently, so the air temperature is close to ambient. Tire pressure rises as tires heat up, so checking “cold” gives the most accurate reading for the manufacturer’s recommended spec.
body control module
"But what that does is that keeps the body control module in your vehicle active. And it creates a draw."
The body control module is a computer in the car that runs a lot of the electrical features. If it doesn’t fully go to sleep, it can keep using battery power even when the car is parked.
The body control module (BCM) is an electronic control unit that manages many of the car’s “comfort and convenience” systems—like lights, locks, and other body electronics. If it stays active when the car is parked, it can keep drawing power from the battery, contributing to battery drain.
draw
"And it creates a draw. And if you do that enough, it'll over time, it'll weaken your battery."
A “draw” refers to parasitic battery drain—small ongoing electrical consumption when the car is off. Even though it’s not large, repeated drain over time can weaken the battery enough that it won’t start the car.
brake warning light
"Most cars have a battery warning light when the voltage and the amperage falls too low."
That battery warning light means your car thinks the electrical system isn’t working right. It usually shows up when the battery isn’t getting enough charge, so the car may eventually not start.
A battery warning light is a dashboard indicator that shows the vehicle’s charging system isn’t maintaining proper electrical voltage. It often comes on when battery voltage drops due to a weak battery or a charging-system problem (like the alternator not supplying enough current).
systems don't work like they're supposed to
"what happens on modern vehicles is that if the, if the voltage falls just a little bit, then the systems don't work like they're supposed to on the car."
Cars today have computers that need enough electrical power to run. If the battery voltage is too low, the car may disable important systems and you can end up stuck.
Modern cars use many electronic control modules that expect a stable supply voltage. If voltage drops, those modules may refuse to operate or disable functions, which can lead to a no-start or “stranded” situation even if the battery isn’t completely dead.
12 volt batteries
"And, you know, someday they're going to get away from these 12 volt batteries and they're going to go to 48 volt systems"
Most cars use a 12-volt battery to run the electrical stuff and help start the engine. As cars add more electronics, some manufacturers are moving to higher voltage systems.
A 12-volt battery is the traditional automotive electrical system standard used to power everything from starting to lights and many electronics. Modern cars still largely rely on 12V, but the increasing number of electronic systems is pushing manufacturers toward higher-voltage architectures.
48-volt systems
"they're going to go to 48 volt systems because they, they require the cars were needed."
A 48-volt system is like upgrading the car’s electrical “power level.” It can handle more power for modern features and can make the wiring more efficient.
A 48-volt system is a higher-voltage vehicle electrical architecture that can deliver more power with lower current for the same power level. That can reduce wiring thickness and help support modern loads (like stronger electric assist and more power-hungry electronics).
12 volts
"They have too many electronic systems on them and 12 volts just doesn't cut it anymore."
Cars run on electricity, and most use a 12-volt system. If a car has a lot more electronics than older designs, that 12-volt system can struggle to supply enough power reliably.
Most cars use a 12-volt electrical system to power things like lights, sensors, and the starter. When modern cars add more electronics, the 12V system can become a limiting factor for how much power and stability it can provide, especially under heavy electrical load.
brake rotors
"Let's talk brakes for just a second. I get this a lot. The mechanic is insisting that I replace my brake rotors."
Brake rotors are the metal discs your brake pads squeeze to stop the car. If they’re warped or worn down too much, the brakes may not work as well and the pads can wear out faster.
Brake rotors are the metal discs the brake pads clamp onto to create friction and slow the car. If rotors are warped or worn too thin, they can cause poor braking feel, uneven pad wear, and reduced braking performance—so replacing them may be recommended in some cases.
brake pads
"The reason the mechanic would say that your rotors need to be replaced is because they are so badly warped or they're just too thin and won't last if they put new brake pads on."
Brake pads are the parts that press against the brake rotor to slow the car. When they wear down too far, they can start grinding in a way that can hurt the rotor.
Brake pads are the friction material inside the brake caliper that presses against the rotor when you step on the brake pedal. As pads wear, they can become thin enough that metal components (like rivets) start contacting the rotor, which can damage the rotor and make replacement more likely.
warped rotor
"the reason the mechanic would say that your rotors need to be replaced is because they are so badly warped"
A warped rotor is a brake disc that’s bent or uneven. That can make the brakes feel shaky or uneven when you stop, and it can wear the pads out faster.
A warped rotor means the rotor’s surface is no longer flat, which can cause vibration or pulsing during braking. Because brake pads must contact the rotor evenly, a warped rotor can lead to uneven wear and reduced braking effectiveness.
caliper
"the braking system basically at the wheel is made up of a caliper, which the brake pads are mounted inside the caliper and the caliper has these little pistons in it"
The caliper is the part that holds the brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, it squeezes the pads onto the spinning disc to slow the car down.
A brake caliper is the clamp that holds the brake pads and uses pistons to squeeze them against the rotor. When the caliper is stationary and the rotor spins, the friction between pads and rotor converts your braking input into slowing force.
brake pedal
"these little pistons in it that when you push your brake pedal down, it squeezes those pads."
The brake pedal is what you press to start braking. Pressing it makes the brake system clamp the pads onto the disc so the car slows down.
The brake pedal is the driver’s input that actuates the hydraulic (or sometimes electric-assisted) braking system. In this explanation, pressing the pedal moves the caliper pistons so the pads clamp onto the rotor.
worn down to the rivets
"if the brake pads get so worn that they wear down to the rivets that hold them onto this little backing plate on the pad, then those rivets dig into that rotor."
Brake pads have metal attachment points. If the pad material wears away so far that those metal parts start touching the rotor, it can damage the rotor and make braking worse.
Many brake pads use rivets or metal fasteners to attach the friction material to the backing plate. If the friction material wears away enough that the rivets contact the rotor, it can accelerate rotor damage and reduce braking performance.
brake job
"Well, when you get a brake job and a mechanic pulls off that caliper, pulls the pads out, looks at that rotor and it's got all these grooves in it."
A brake job is when a mechanic works on your brakes—usually checking and often replacing brake pads and inspecting the brake rotors. It’s the kind of service you do when braking feel changes or parts wear out.
A brake job is shop work focused on the braking system, most commonly replacing or servicing brake pads and inspecting the rotors. In this segment, the mechanic removes the caliper, checks the rotor surface, and decides whether the rotor can be resurfaced or should be replaced.
turned
"He's going to go to the service advisor and say, these rotors need to be turned. They turn them on a lathe and it makes them nice and smooth."
When someone says the rotor is “turned,” they mean it’s machined (cut) to smooth out the worn surface. But if it’s done too many times, the rotor can become too thin and start warping.
In brake service, “turned” refers to resurfacing the rotor—machining material off the rotor’s friction surface to remove grooves and restore a smooth surface. The host warns that turning rotors too many times can reduce thickness enough that the rotor may warp and fail sooner.
lathe
"They turn them on a lathe and it makes them nice and smooth. And you'll be happy with the brake performance after they do that."
A lathe is a machine that spins metal while a tool cuts it to make the surface smooth and even. In brakes, it’s used to resurface the rotor so the pads can contact it properly.
A lathe is a machine tool used to precisely cut and smooth metal by rotating the part and using a cutting tool. Here, the host describes using a lathe to resurface rotors so they become smooth again for better brake performance.
OEM rotors
"Tell them you want OEM rotors, original equipment, manufactured rotors, not something from advanced auto parts that was made in China."
OEM rotors are the same type of brake discs the car’s manufacturer designed for your vehicle. The idea is that they match the original specs better than low-cost aftermarket parts.
OEM rotors are original equipment manufacturer parts—made to the same specifications as the rotors installed when the vehicle was new. The host argues that OEM rotors are more consistent in material quality and fit, compared with cheaper alternatives.
Advanced Auto Parts
"Tell them you want OEM rotors... not something from advanced auto parts that was made in China."
Advanced Auto Parts is a store brand that sells car parts. The host is saying that some aftermarket parts from there may not match OEM quality.
Advanced Auto Parts is a retail brand that sells aftermarket automotive components. In this segment, the host uses it as an example of non-OEM rotor sourcing and claims some of those parts may be lower quality.
pads replaced
"Now, if you've got your original brakes on your vehicle, never had a break job, never had the pads replaced, never had the rotors turned, then they should be able to turn your rotors unless you have heard a squealing noise for a really long time."
Brake pads are the parts that press against the rotors to slow the car down. When they wear out, they need to be replaced so braking stays strong and safe.
Brake pads replaced refers to swapping worn friction material for new pads. Pads wear down over time, and when they get thin enough, the wear indicators can start squealing and reduce braking effectiveness.
brake warning sensors
"That's your brake warning sensors. It's just a little tab of metal that when the brake pad gets worn to a certain point, that little tab of metal will scrape against the rotor itself, making a squealing noise."
These are little parts that start making noise when your brake pads get too thin. The sound is a warning so you don’t keep driving with brakes that are worn out.
Brake warning sensors are small wear indicators that alert you when brake pads have worn down. When the pads reach a certain thickness, the sensor contacts the rotor and produces a squeal so you know it’s time for service.
multi-point inspection
"I mean, we do a multi-point inspection on every vehicle. I don't care if they just bring it in to have a cabin air filter replaced."
A multi-point inspection is a structured checklist where a shop checks multiple wear items and systems during a visit. It’s often performed alongside routine service (like an oil change) to catch brake wear, tire issues, and other problems early.
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