Feds issue warning for dangerous safety defects in certain cars
The automotive history annals are marked by numerous recalls, but the saga initiated by the former Japanese manufacturer Takata in 2014 stands as the most extensive single recall in U.S. history. Over 67 million of its airbags, installed across a broad spectrum of car brands, were found to contain defective components with the potential to cause grave injuries or even fatalities to occupants.
The heart of the issue lay within the airbag’s inflator—a metal cartridge laden with propellant intended for rapid airbag deployment in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, these Takata airbags harbored a defect where the inflator housing could shatter during a crash, propelling metal shards throughout the vehicle interior, posing significant risks to those inside.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal a grim outcome: 27 fatalities and over 400 injuries attributed to these malfunctioning airbags. By April 2024, 88% of the recalled airbags had been adequately repaired or replaced. Yet, a new warning from the NHTSA underscores a persistent threat lurking in used cars nationwide.
On July 10, the NHTSA highlighted a cautionary note against “cheap, substandard replacement air bag inflators,” which mirror the hazards posed by the Takata airbags nearly a decade earlier. The concern with these aftermarket components lies in their potential to eject metal fragments at high velocity, causing severe or possibly fatal injuries to occupants. Recent reports identified three deaths and two serious, disfiguring injuries within the last year due to these inferior parts.
The allure of low-cost replacement parts online has inadvertently introduced these dangerous items into the used car market, even finding their way into vehicles through installations by technicians at reputable service centers and dealerships. The NHTSA specifically pointed out that these components are often produced by foreign manufacturers lacking a solid foundation in quality and safety.
CarFax data underscores the magnitude of this issue, revealing nearly 2 million vehicles with previously deployed airbags remain operational on U.S. roads. This situation offers a ripe opportunity for unscrupulous sellers to exploit, potentially endangering lives for profit.
“It’s really scary,” remarked William Wallace, safety policy associate director at Consumer Reports, highlighting the dominance and potential vulnerabilities within the used-car market.
The aging automotive fleet in the U.S., now averaging a record 12.6 years according to S&P Global Mobility, coupled with soaring new car prices—average approaching $47,000 as reported by Kelly Blue Book—has bolstered the used vehicle market. In this landscape, the NHTSA advises buyers and current car owners to diligently research their vehicle’s repair history, ensuring airbag inflators are genuine OEM parts to avoid potential harm.
The warning is clear: vehicles equipped with inferior replacement parts pose a real risk to occupants. These non-genuine inflators may fail to deploy the airbag fully or do so too slowly, failing to adequately protect against impact with the interior dashboard or steering wheel during a crash.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to seek professional evaluation from car dealerships or qualified mechanics to ascertain the authenticity of their airbags. Should a non-genuine inflator be discovered, the recommendation is to replace it immediately with a certified part and report the matter to a local Homeland Security Investigations office or the nearest FBI field office, ensuring safety and compliance.
As the automotive landscape evolves and consumers increasingly pivot to the used car market, awareness and caution about these hidden dangers remain crucial. The federal warning serves not only as a call to action but as a reminder of the paramount importance of vehicular safety standards in protecting lives.
