Most cars these days, used and brand new, come with the usual airbags. But along that line comes the possibility of some cars that may be overlooking this feature, either on purpose or perhaps because potential car owners choose to pass on them to save on car purchase cost.

But if this report is any indication, car buyers may want to reconsider passing on airbags. Their lives may depend on it.

A new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that nearly one in five fatal accidents involve cars that have missing air bags. This problem endangers the lives of used car buyers, current owners and innocent passengers.

Industry experts estimate that as many as 1 out of 25 previously deployed air bags are not properly replaced. Carfax urges drivers that have had their car’s air bags replaced to make sure all air bags are functioning properly. In addition, anyone shopping for a used car should have an ASE-certified mechanic or body shop inspect the air bag system prior to purchase.

So if you know better, check out the airbag features of your next car. Your life may depend on it.

(Source) PR Canada

Continue reading...

After the safety recall that Toyota had announced for the Lexus, the Toyota Yaris is now the next vehicle up for a recall. Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are approximately 134,900 Yaris vehicles sold in the U.S. that may have to be recalled due to defective seat belt pretensioners.

The Yaris is equipped with driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners that retract the seat belts to begin absorbing the occupant’s forward momentum when a severe frontal impact is detected. On 2006 through 2007 model year Yaris, Toyota has determined that the seat belt pretensioner deployment may affect the sound insulating foam in the center pillar, following a collision.

Toyota will inform owners of the involved vehicles with a Safety Recall notification via first-class mail beginning early February. Owners are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for repair. The repair will take approximately one hour, depending on the dealer’s workload.

(Source) Press

Continue reading...