Why NHTSA Is Warning Drivers About Repaired Vehicles
Most drivers assume that if their vehicle has been repaired after a collision, it’s been restored to a safe, roadworthy condition. Unfortunately, a recent federal warning makes it clear that this assumption can be dangerous.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent alert regarding counterfeit airbag inflators that are likely being illegally imported into the United States and installed in vehicles after collisions. These inflators are not just defective — they’ve been linked to multiple fatalities and severe injuries.
In the video above, Nylund’s Collision Center breaks down what this warning means for everyday drivers, especially those who own or are shopping for used vehicles.
This article expands on that discussion and explains why this issue keeps resurfacing — and what consumers can do to protect themselves.
What Is an Airbag Inflator — and Why Does It Matter?
An airbag inflator is the component responsible for rapidly filling the airbag during a crash. It is a critical life-saving device that must meet strict federal safety standards.
When properly engineered and manufactured:
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The inflator deploys the airbag smoothly
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The force is controlled
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The occupant is protected
When counterfeit or substandard inflators are used:
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Deployment can be violent and unpredictable
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The inflator can rupture
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Metal fragments can be propelled into the cabin
In several documented cases, crashes that were otherwise survivable became fatal because the airbag itself failed catastrophically.
NHTSA’s Warning: What Drivers Need to Know
According to NHTSA, certain replacement airbag inflators — primarily manufactured overseas and not approved for use in the U.S. — are appearing in vehicles after collision repairs.
Key concerns raised by federal investigators include:
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Inflators likely imported illegally
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Parts installed outside OEM repair channels
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Use in vehicles that previously deployed airbags
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Higher prevalence in salvage or rebuilt vehicles
While some vehicle models have been specifically identified in investigations, this is not limited to any single brand or manufacturer.
The broader issue is post-collision repairs performed without proper parts verification.
How Long Have Counterfeit Airbags Been a Problem?
This issue is not new.
Federal regulators have warned about counterfeit or substandard airbag components for more than a decade. As early as 2012, testing revealed that some non-OEM airbags:
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Failed to deploy
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Deployed inconsistently
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Deployed with excessive force
What has changed in recent years is not the existence of the problem — but the ability to conclusively link injuries and deaths to specific counterfeit inflators.
As investigations have become more detailed, patterns have emerged across multiple crashes, states, and repair scenarios. That growing body of evidence is what prompted NHTSA’s most recent urgent warning.
Why Repaired Vehicles Are Most at Risk
Vehicles that have been involved in serious collisions are more vulnerable because:
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Airbags must be replaced after deployment
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Repairs often happen out of sight of the vehicle owner
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Cost pressures can influence part selection
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Salvage or rebuilt vehicles may change hands multiple times
Without strict adherence to OEM repair procedures, unsafe parts can be introduced without the owner ever knowing.
This is why who repairs your vehicle — and how they repair it — matters.
What Used-Car Buyers and Owners Should Do Now
If you own or are considering buying a used vehicle, especially one with a prior accident history, here are important steps you can take:
1. Review the vehicle history
Look for records of:
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Prior collisions
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Airbag deployment
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Salvage or rebuilt title branding
2. Ask direct questions about repairs
If airbags were replaced, ask:
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Were OEM airbag components used?
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Were inflators sourced directly from the manufacturer?
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Is documentation available?
3. Have the airbag system inspected
A qualified repair facility or dealership can verify whether proper components were installed.
4. Be cautious with “too good to be true” pricing
Significantly cheaper repairs often come with hidden compromises — especially when it comes to safety systems.
Why OEM-Correct Repairs Matter
At Nylund’s Collision Center, repairs are performed according to manufacturer procedures, using OEM-approved parts whenever required for safety.
This approach isn’t about speed or shortcuts — it’s about:
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Vehicle integrity
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Occupant safety
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Long-term reliability
When it comes to airbags and other restraint systems, there is no acceptable margin for error.
Final Thoughts: Safety Should Never Be Assumed
An airbag is designed to save your life. If it’s counterfeit, improperly sourced, or illegally installed, it can do the opposite.
NHTSA’s warning is a reminder that safety doesn’t end when the crash is over. It extends through the repair process — and that process must be transparent, verifiable, and manufacturer-correct.
If you have questions about prior repairs, airbag replacements, or collision damage, Nylund’s Collision Center is here to help you make informed decisions — because when it comes to safety, assumptions can be dangerous.