US Highway Agency Warns About Defective Air Bag Replacements in Pre-Owned Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a cautionary advisory regarding the presence of low-quality, aftermarket air bag inflators in used cars, which pose a significant risk of failure during vehicle accidents, potentially leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
According to the NHTSA, over the past nine months, three individuals have lost their lives, and two others have sustained serious injuries due to substandard air bag inflators that were improperly installed in used vehicles. These incidents highlight the critical importance of ensuring the reliability and authenticity of air bag replacements in vehicles.
In response to these tragic outcomes, the NHTSA emphasized the necessity for consumers who own or are considering purchasing a used vehicle to thoroughly investigate its history. It is crucial for vehicle owners to confirm that their vehicles are equipped with genuine air bag inflators to mitigate the risk of malfunctioning during accidents.
The agency underscored that in each of the reported cases where fatalities or injuries occurred, the vehicles had previously undergone collision repairs involving the replacement of original air bags with inferior quality inflators. These faulty components have been known to eject large metal fragments into the driver’s upper body areas, including the chest, neck, eyes, and face, resulting in fatal or severe injuries that would otherwise have been survivable in the absence of such defects. Additionally, some substandard inflators have been found to deploy too slowly or partially, potentially causing occupants to collide with the vehicle’s interior surfaces upon impact.
To safeguard against these risks, the NHTSA advised prospective buyers of used vehicles to obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report. This report can provide critical insights into the vehicle’s repair and maintenance history, including any previous incidents involving air bag replacements or repairs.
Furthermore, the NHTSA recommended that if a dealership or qualified mechanic identifies a defective air bag inflator in a vehicle, it should be promptly replaced. Additionally, the agency advised notifying local law enforcement authorities such as Homeland Security Investigations or FBI field offices to report any suspicions of counterfeit or unsafe automotive parts.
In conclusion, the NHTSA’s advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of vehicle safety and the potential hazards associated with substandard automotive components. By staying informed and proactive, consumers can help ensure their vehicles are equipped with reliable air bag systems that meet safety standards and reduce the risk of serious injury or loss of life in the event of an accident.