Replacement airbags in used cars have killed 3 people and disfigured 2, authorities warn

In the past nine months alone, three people have died and two others have suffered life-changing, disfiguring injuries from replacing airbag inflators in used cars in the United States, federal officials warned Wednesday.

The deaths and injuries were caused by vehicles previously involved in crashes in which the original airbags had been replaced with defective inflators, mostly made abroad, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a consumer alert.

“These dangerous replacement parts malfunctioned in subsequent crashes, hurling large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, eyes and faces, killing or seriously injuring drivers in crashes they otherwise could have survived,” the NHTSA said.

Such replacement parts are often manufactured by foreign companies that do not have a good reputation for quality and are typically sold at prices well below the cost of the original part, the agency said. It described the components that led to the three deaths and other injuries as “faulty, cheap, imported aftermarket airbag inflators.”

The parts are often ordered online, shipped to the U.S. and installed at less reputable repair shops, according to regulators. The NHTSA urged owners or buyers of used cars to check the vehicle’s history to make sure the vehicle has original airbag inflators, as an inappropriate replacement part can cause death or serious injury in an accident.

“In addition, these gas generators may inflate incompletely or too slowly, meaning they cannot protect the occupant’s head from impact with the steering wheel or dashboard,” the agency said.

More specifically, the NHTSA advises people:

• Obtain a vehicle history report. If the vehicle has been reported in an accident in which the airbag deployed, motorists should visit a reputable independent mechanic or dealer to have an airbag inspection performed and ensure the parts are genuine.
• Work with reputable independent mechanics and manufacturer dealerships. If you’re considering purchasing from a private seller, get a vehicle history report and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic.
• When servicing your vehicle, inquire about replacement parts, including the brand and origin of the parts.
• When buying a car online, be careful if you are looking for auto parts from overseas dealers or at prices well below those of the competition.

If used car owners suspect they are driving a car with a defective replacement inflator, the government advises contacting the brand’s dealer or a reputable mechanic to determine if the parts need to be replaced.

Owners whose vehicle has one of the suspected inflators should contact their local Homeland Security Investigations Office or FBI field office to report it. Complaints can also be filed online. Consumers can also contact NHTSA online or by phone through the agency’s hotline at (888) 327-4236, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.