San Diego father talks about Takata recall

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The largest recall in U.S. automotive history keeps getting bigger.

Takata added 2.7 million vehicles to the recall from Ford, Nissan, and Mazda, all with a type of inflator that was previously thought to be safe. The affected vehicles are from 2005 to 2012.

RELATED: Takata expands recall

Alexander Brangman knows of this problem all too well.

26 years, 11 months, 9 hours, and 15 minutes.

That’s all the time he had with his only daughter before an exploding Takata airbag took her away.

"I miss her dearly,” Brangman said.

On Sept. 7, 2014, Jewel Brangman rear-ended a van in her rental car on a freeway in Los Angeles. Four vehicles were involved. Everyone walked away from the crash, except her.

Alexander Brangman said shrapnel pierced her neck. She later died.

He says hearing about more recalls is “frustrating.”

His new mission in life is to save lives and spread awareness of vehicle safety.

“In my mind, this is something that is preventable,” Brangman said.

Alexander Brangman has lobbied for better safety standards on Capitol Hill. He is also working on a book about his journey and the loss of his daughter. 

You can check if your vehicle is under a recall by going to safercar.gov.