Bought a Used Car That Was Wrecked? NHTSA Says Check Who Replaced the Airbag

A repaired crash vehicle can look nearly perfect while hiding an improperly replaced airbag inflator, making the repair history worth checking before or after purchase – Shutterstock

A repaired crash can leave a used car looking perfectly respectable while hiding a serious question inside the steering wheel: Who replaced the airbag?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, has warned used-car buyers about dangerous replacement airbag inflators found in vehicles that previously suffered crashes. Some replacement parts have malfunctioned during later collisions, creating a risk that has nothing to do with how shiny the paint looks in the driveway.