Persistent Airbag Safety Concerns: What Drivers Need to Know
It’s been nearly ten years since the colossal Takata airbag recall shook the automotive industry, resulting in the loss of 30 lives and countless injuries globally. Despite numerous corrective efforts, airbag safety remains a pressing concern. Recent warnings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlight the dangers of substandard replacement airbags, with three fatalities and several severe injuries attributed to these defective components.
Risks Posed by Faulty Replacement Airbags
The issue isn’t just the original faulty airbags but also the quality of their replacements. NHTSA reports indicate that some replacement airbags—often sourced from unverified foreign manufacturers—can be just as dangerous as the originals. Two cases of severe, life-altering injuries have been linked to these replacements, which were characterized by deficient manufacturing standards, and subpar quality and were sold at a fraction of the cost of genuine parts. These airbags were typically procured online and installed by unauthorized repair shops.
The initial announcement by Autoblog brought attention to these risks, emphasizing the potential for counterfeit products to infiltrate the market amidst the ongoing Takata airbag replacement campaign. Alarmingly, in all five fatal and injury-related crashes involving these replacement airbags, the vehicles had previously been involved in accidents where the original airbags were deployed and subsequently replaced.
How Defective Airbag Inflators Endanger Lives
When an airbag inflator fails during deployment, it can cause catastrophic injuries. NHTSA explains that defective inflators might burst, propelling metal shards into the driver’s chest, neck, eyes, or face, turning potentially survivable accidents into fatal ones. Furthermore, some low-cost inflators fail to deploy correctly, either too slowly or only partially, thereby failing to protect occupants who could then be forcefully thrown against the vehicle’s dashboard or steering wheel.
Guidelines to Avoid Defective Airbags
NHTSA has issued several recommendations to help vehicle owners avoid purchasing and installing defective replacement airbags:
- Check the accident history of any used vehicle you intend to buy to see if the airbags were ever deployed and replaced. Ensure there is a record from a reputable repair shop.
- Have a qualified mechanic inspect any used car you are considering purchasing.
- Use well-known independent shops or dealership service centers for airbag replacements. They typically have access to OEM-approved parts.
- Exercise caution when purchasing parts made overseas, especially if they are significantly cheaper. The adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” applies.
- Discuss with your repair shop about the brand and source of the replacement parts to ensure they are OEM or approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
If you suspect that your vehicle might have a faulty airbag inflator, or if you have had an airbag replaced and are unsure about the quality, NHTSA advises contacting your vehicle dealer or a certified mechanic immediately. If a defective inflator is found, it should be replaced promptly, and the issue should be reported to your local Homeland Security Investigations office or an FBI field office.
Ensuring the safety of your vehicle’s airbags is crucial for your protection and the well-being of your passengers. Stay informed and proactive about this vital safety component.
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Lawrence Jacobs, Editor of Automotive.fyi
