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Used Car Shopping Warning That Could Save Your Life

Here’s one of the biggest reasons why you have to have a used car history check made that could be a lifesaver for you and your family members―especially if you have already bought a used car recently.
New Warning from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

The sale of counterfeit parts is a growing problem that in many cases leaves a car owner with a car repair that does not last or leads to other problems such as additional damage done to your car or confusion during a repair diagnosis.

However, according to a recent CARFAX report, the counterfeit parts scam has gotten worse and is costing used car owners their lives.

Counterfeit Airbags

The possibility of a used car having at least one counterfeit airbag installed is something not to be taken lightly by used car shoppers.

According to the CARFAX report:

“Nearly 2 million vehicles are back on U.S. roads after they were involved in an accident where an airbag deployed over the last 2 years, CARFAX data shows. Each of those vehicles represents an opportunity for a scammer to install a counterfeit airbag as a replacement.”

Their warning is based on a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) consumer alert released yesterday that demonstrates this is a real problem and one in which no one knows exactly how many cars are carrying bogus airbags that not only might not work but have also been found to deploy hazardous objects at the driver and passengers when triggered during a crash.

According to the NHTSA:

“The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges used car buyers and owners to be aware of cheap, substandard replacement air bag inflators that can cause death or serious injury in a crash. In the last year, three people have been killed and two people have suffered life-altering, disfiguring injuries due to these faulty aftermarket replacement air bag inflators.

In all five cases, the vehicles had previously been involved in a crash, and their original equipment air bags were replaced with defective, substandard inflators, in most cases confirmed to have been manufactured overseas. These dangerous aftermarket parts malfunctioned in subsequent crashes, sending large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes, and faces, killing or severely injuring drivers in otherwise survivable crashes.”

Counterfeit Airbag Video from NHTSA

Here is an informative video from the NHTSA that demonstrates just how harmful some counterfeit airbags have been found to be that are potential bombs that could go off at any moment further injuring the driver and passengers rather than saving their lives.

Recent News Video Report About Garage Found Installing Counterfeit Airbags

TV station WPLG in South Florida reported just last March this story about one garage owner found to be installing fake airbags from overseas―some of which were filled with junk!

Auto shop owner faces 300+ felonies, accused of selling fake airbags

 

What to Do Before Buying a Used Car or if You Have Already Purchased One

Advice from the NHTSA includes the following recommendations:

  • Obtain a vehicle history report before purchasing a used vehicle or if they have already purchased a used vehicle and do not know its history. If the vehicle has been in a reported crash where the air bag deployed, they should visit a reputable independent mechanic or dealership for an air bag inspection to ensure the parts are genuine.
  • Do business with reputable independent mechanics and manufacturer dealerships. When considering a purchase from a private seller, obtain a vehicle history report and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic. 
  • Ask about the replacement parts when having a vehicle serviced, including the brand and sourcing of the parts. 
  • Buy with caution when looking at automotive parts online from overseas retailers or sold at prices well below competitors. Remember, if it’s too good to be true, it likely is — and it could be deadly. 

CARFAX also offers assistance for used car shoppers by offering a free vehicle history report for anyone considering buying a used car.

“Consumers can check – for free – Vehicle History Reports for airbag deployments in every used car listed on CARFAX.com,” states CARFAX representatives in their news report.

For additional articles related to used car warnings, here are a few for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Consumer Reports’ Best Deals on 10 Fuel-Efficient Cars and SUVs

Image source: Deposit Photos

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