The recent incidents involving faulty airbags and safety equipment in used cars purchased from a dealership in Brandon, Florida, have raised serious concerns about the safety of vehicles on the road. The case of a young mother who tragically lost her life due to a counterfeit replacement airbag in her car exploding in a crash serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by substandard parts in vehicles.
In another troubling case investigated by I-Team Investigator Adam Walser, a Manatee County man, Ron Egert, discovered serious issues with seatbelts and airbags in two different used cars he bought from the same dealer, HGreg. The first car, a red 2021 Volvo S60, had been a former rental car that had been in a crash, causing its front airbag to deploy. Despite being assured by the dealership that the car had passed a multi-point inspection, Egert soon experienced problems with the airbag system, leading to a discovery that the restraint module had been tampered with.
Upon returning the first car to HGreg, Egert was provided with a replacement, a white 2022 Volvo S60. However, this car also had issues with its airbag system, as the driver’s airbag was found to be rusted and marked from a junkyard. This raised concerns about the safety of the vehicle in the event of an accident, as tampering with safety equipment can have serious consequences.
HGreg, in response to the investigation, provided statements defending their inspection processes and commitment to customer safety. However, the discovery that nearly 2 million vehicles with airbag deployments are back on the road, including over 100,000 in Florida, highlights the importance of thorough inspections before purchasing a used car. Carfax spokesperson Patrick Olsen emphasized the need for buyers to check for airbag deployments and conduct pre-purchase inspections to ensure the vehicle’s safety.
The incidents involving Egert’s cars shed light on the potential risks associated with purchasing used vehicles that have been in accidents and repaired with substandard parts. The importance of thorough inspections, transparency from dealerships, and vigilance from consumers cannot be overstated when it comes to ensuring the safety of vehicles on the road.
As Ron Egert counts himself lucky to finally be in a car he knows is safe, it serves as a reminder for all car buyers to be diligent in their research and inspections to avoid potential safety hazards on the road. If you have concerns about the safety of a vehicle you have purchased, it is essential to report any issues to the appropriate authorities to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.