Are You Sure Your Used Car Has its Airbags?

Does your used car have its airbags? It may not.
Photo © 2008 Volvo North America

Airbags are a great safety device. They sit there hidden away poised to protect us in a split second in the event of a collision. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, approximately 13,967 lives were saved from 1987-2003.

No doubt they’re life-saving devices, until they’re not there. According to CarFax.com, “as many as one out of 25 previously damaged vehicles may have non-functional air bags. Con men purposely replace deployed air bags with anything from packing peanuts to stolen units.”

For that reason, CarFax.com is now offering a free airbag check. Enter the vehicle identification number of the used vehicle you’re looking at and CarFax can tell you if an airbag deployment has been reported. If one has, have your mechanic make sure it’s been replaced. Also, have your mechanic check the car for a working airbag if the car has been in an accident – even if a deployment hasn’t been recorded – or if he or she has any reason to suspect the airbag may not be there.