The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning drivers about “cheap, substandard replacement air bag inflators” that can fail to prevent serious injuries or death in a vehicle wreck
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning drivers about “cheap, substandard replacement air bag inflators” in used cars that can fail to prevent serious injuries or death in a vehicle wreck.
The agency said Wednesday that three people have been killed and two suffered severe injuries in the past nine months due to substandard, aftermarket air bag inflators.
“If consumers own or are considering the purchase of a used vehicle, NHTSA urges them to learn their vehicle’s history and ensure their vehicle has genuine air bag inflators,” the agency said.
In each of the five cases in which someone was killed or injured, the vehicle had previously been involved in a crash and the original airbags were replaced. Malfunctioning airbag inflators sent “large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes and faces, killing or severely injuring drivers in otherwise survivable crashes,” according to NHTSA.
Other cheap inflators may deploy too slowly, or partially, meaning occupants of a vehicle may strike the dashboard or steering wheel in a collision.
Anyone in the hunt for a used vehicle should secure a vehicle history report, or do so now if they did not before buying a vehicle, the NHTSA said Wednesday.
If it is determined by a car dealership or a qualified mechanic that a vehicle has a faulty air bag inflator, the NHTSA advises replacing them and notifying a local Homeland Security Investigations office, or FBI field office.
The US Highway Agency has issued a warning regarding defective air bag replacements in pre-owned vehicles. This warning comes after reports of faulty air bags being installed in vehicles as part of repairs following a collision or other damage.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received numerous complaints from consumers who have experienced issues with their air bags not deploying properly or failing to inflate at all during an accident. These defective air bags pose a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers, as they may not provide the necessary protection in the event of a crash.
The NHTSA is urging owners of pre-owned vehicles to check the status of their air bags and ensure that they have not been replaced with defective or counterfeit parts. It is important for consumers to verify the authenticity of any replacement air bags and to have them inspected by a qualified mechanic if there are any concerns.
In some cases, counterfeit air bags may be sold at a lower price than genuine parts, leading unsuspecting consumers to unknowingly install faulty safety equipment in their vehicles. These counterfeit air bags may not meet the same safety standards as authentic parts and could fail to deploy properly in an emergency situation.
To protect yourself and your loved ones, it is crucial to only use genuine replacement parts from reputable sources when repairing or replacing air bags in your vehicle. If you suspect that your air bags may be defective, contact your vehicle manufacturer or a certified dealership to have them inspected and replaced if necessary.
The NHTSA is working closely with automakers and law enforcement agencies to investigate reports of counterfeit air bags and take action against those responsible for selling or installing these dangerous parts. In the meantime, consumers are advised to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to ensure the safety of their vehicles and passengers.
By staying informed and taking appropriate precautions, drivers can help prevent accidents and injuries caused by defective air bags in pre-owned vehicles. Remember, safety should always be a top priority when it comes to maintaining and repairing your vehicle.
