BOSTON -- Team 5 Investigates has uncovered a new nationwide problem in the auto industry -- a shortage of parts.

The problem has left some drivers waiting months for car repairs.

With inoperable brain cancer, Bill Grassi has trouble getting around.

"I am supposed to be in a wheelchair when I go out because of having terminal brain cancer. My oxygen level drops, and when that happens, I drop to the floor," said

For the last three months, Grassi has been confined to his house because his SUV, in which he carries his wheelchair, has been in the shop at Drum Hill Ford.

"They searched every place possible to try and find the part -- the throttle body. They couldn't do it," he said.

"He's a sweet guy. I know him," said Drum Hill owner Bernard Ristuccia. "I've tried personally myself to help him via the parts department with Ford Motor Co."

Ristuccia has called Ford repeatedly, but despite several promises on a delivery date, the part has not arrived.

Some of the parts aren't available because some of the suppliers have gone out of business. It's not just a Ford problem -- Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda and all the cars built in the United States have been affected by the part shortage.

Team 5 Investigates has discovered that even in cases where dealers have hard to find parts, they refuse to share. There is no law saying they must.

"I don't know if I am going to get in trouble with Ford, but I offered them double the price of the part just to be able to get it for Mr. Grassi," Ristuccia said.

Drum Hill has given Grassi a new Taurus as a loaner, but it doesn't help.

"In my van, I just have to lift this up and it just stands up. But here, I have to lift it up and in and I can't do it," Grassi's wife, Joan, said.

So the Grassis wait.

"You make the best with what you have," Grassi said.

Ford sent Team 5 a statement on Monday promising that Drum Hill will have the part on Tuesday.