Report: Automakers continue selling new cars with defective Takata airbags

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – According to a new report released Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) entitled "The Takata Recalls: Consumers Are Still Stuck in Neutral," at least four automakers confirmed they are still selling new cars with defective Takata airbags.

The report explained under an existing order by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the manufacturers are legally allowed to sell the vehicles, but all must be recalled by the end of 2018.

Only two of the four automakers provided investigators with the specific models that may contain defective inflators. They are:

2016 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

2016 Volkswagen CC

2016 Audi TT

2017 Audi R8

"What's troubling here is that consumers are buying new cars not realizing they're going to be recalled," Nelson said. "These cars shouldn't be sold until they're fixed."

The news comes as the unprecedented recall due to safety concerns expands.

Ford is recalling close to 2 million vehicles to replace defective Takata front passenger-side airbags. This includes:

2007-2010 Ford Edge

2006-2011 Ford Fusion

2005-2011 Ford Mustang

2007-2011 Ford Ranger

2007-2010 Lincoln MKX

2006-2011 Lincoln MKZ, Zephyr and Mercury Milan