Nearly 2 Million Vehicles Back on Road After Airbag Deployments Just in Last 2 Years
Although instances of that happening are believed to be rare, law enforcement officials agree that no one knows for sure how many substandard airbags are in cars today. But the results can be tragic: There have been 3 deaths and 2 severe injuries just in the last nine months because of these airbags, NHTSA reports.
Ten states have more than 40,000 vehicles back on the road after an airbag deployment:
State | No. of Vehicles |
206,000 | |
106,000 | |
N.C. | 100,000 |
81,000 | |
74,000 | |
59,000 | |
56,000 | |
47,000 | |
43,000 | |
41,000 |
"If consumers own or are considering the purchase of a used vehicle, NHTSA urges them to learn their vehicle's history and ensure their vehicle has genuine air bag inflators," the agency said in a release this week. "If their vehicle has one of these inadequate replacement parts, it could kill or critically injure them in a crash."
Consumers can check “ for free “ Vehicle History Reports for airbag deployments in every used car listed on CARFAX.com. Additionally, prospective buyers should have a trusted mechanic check out any replacement airbags before they buy a used vehicle.
NHTSA and federal law enforcement officials say there's no way to know for sure just how many counterfeit airbags are being installed in
Consumers who wind up in an accident where an airbag deploys should take their vehicle to a reputable repair shop, preferably one with vehicle manufacturer certification and high ratings from consumers.
Editor's note: Interviews with
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