This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued an important brief about a serious used car safety issue: Be aware of cheap, substandard replacement airbags. These faulty inflators can be disfiguring or deadly. In the past year alone, three people have died, and two others suffered life-altering injuries due to these dangerous inflators.

Here’s what’s happening: low-quality, defective inflators can end up in cars with their original airbags replaced after a crash. Overseas manufacturers with poor quality control produce most of these faulty parts. They sell them at very low prices, far below the cost of genuine equipment. 

If a car with one of these substandard inflators crashes again, the inflator can malfunction. The substandard airbag can send large metal fragments into the driver’s chest, neck, eyes, and face. This can cause severe injuries or death in what would otherwise be survivable car accidents.

The group also says these airbags might deploy partially or too slowly. This forces the occupant’s head to hit the steering wheel or dash unprotected.

To ensure your safety, you can check a used car’s history before purchasing it. Obtain a vehicle history report and confirm any recorded collisions requiring airbag replacement. If you feel unsure about the car’s history or parts, ask a reputable mechanic or dealership to inspect it.

The NHTSA also advises using only trusted mechanics or automaker dealerships for airbag-related car repairs. Always inquire about the parts being used in your car, including their brand and source. Knowing this information can help you avoid substandard parts.

Exercise caution when buying automotive parts online, especially from overseas retailers. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is—and it could be dangerous. Suppliers often market cheap, substandard parts at very low prices to attract buyers, but these parts might lack the necessary quality and safety standards.

If you suspect your vehicle has a faulty airbag inflator, contact your dealership or a trusted mechanic immediately. Do not wait. The NHTSA suggests you report these dangerous parts to your local Homeland Security Investigations office or the FBI. You can also submit a complaint to the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center as well. Taking these steps can help prevent further injuries and deaths.

For more information, visit the NHTSA website or call their Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.