Have you purchased a used vehicle that was previously involved in a crash? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is alerting used vehicle owners to issues involving substandard air bag inflators. These parts are typically manufactured by foreign companies with little to no reputation of quality manufacturing, sold at prices significantly lower than the cost of genuine equipment, and ordered online and shipped to the United States.
In the past year, three people have been killed and two have suffered life-altering injuries due to faulty aftermarket replacement air bag inflators. In each of the cases, the vehicle had previously been involved in a crash and the original air bags were replaced. The dangerous aftermarket parts then malfunctioned in crashes. These air bag inflators sent large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes, and faces. The faulty parts led to fatalities and severe injuries to drivers in otherwise survivable conditions.
Learn Your Vehicle’s History
If you own or are considering buying a used vehicle, get to know the vehicle’s history. Make sure the vehicle has genuine air bag inflators. An inadequate replacement part could kill or critically injure you in a crash. Faulty inflators may deploy partially or too slowly, meaning the airbag won’t be ready in time to prevent an occupant’s head from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
NHTSA recommends that you get a vehicle history report before buying a used vehicle, or get one for your used vehicle if you’re not sure of the history. If your vehicle has been in a reported crash with air bag deployment, go to a reputable mechanic or dealership for an air bag inspection to make sure the parts are genuine.
Check Your Airbag Inflators
Ask about replacement parts when your vehicle is serviced, including the brand and sourcing of the parts. Buy with caution when purchasing automotive parts online or well below competitor prices. If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
If you suspect that your vehicle has a substandard replacement inflator, consult a dealership or reputable mechanic to find out if the parts need to be replaced. If your vehicle has a suspect inflators, NHTSA advises you to contact your local Homeland Security Investigations office or FBI field office to report it, or submit an online complaint to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
