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Warning Against Using Salvaged, Remanufactured Air Bags, Belts

2 July 1999

Automotive Occupant Restraints Council Warns Against Using Salvaged, Remanufactured Air Bags, Belts

    LEXINGTON, Ky., July 2 -- The Automotive Occupant Restraints
Council (AORC) today warned against the use of salvaged or remanufactured
air bags or seat belts.
    AORC is a nonprofit organization representing domestic and foreign
manufacturers and suppliers of automotive air bags, seat belts and vehicle
seating systems.
    "Our policy is clear.  I cannot think of circumstances in which AORC would
support replacing seat belts or deployed air bags with salvaged or
remanufactured belts and bags," said George Kirchoff, AORC president.
    "This is purely a safety issue.  All restraint systems, including air
bags, are designed and manufactured to very distinct requirements that are
vehicle specific.  That is, they depend on the characteristics of a particular
vehicle make, model, and model year," Kirchoff said.
    "Replacement components must have identical performance to the original in
order to ensure acceptable crash protection for occupants," he added.
    Citing problems with using salvaged air bags, Kirchoff says there is
significant potential of using modules with different performance levels that
can fit various vehicles.  He also points out that salvaged or remanufactured
air bags may have been exposed to conditions -- for example, excessive heat,
shock loads or flood waters -- that go beyond their design capability.  These
conditions, according to the AORC, can result in unacceptable air bag
performance.
    "There is no test to verify that such exposure has not occurred and that
the air bags will perform acceptably," said Kirchoff.
    Remanufactured air bags might include a mixture of components from various
manufacturers or may have undergone improper repairs, according to the AORC.
    Kirchoff says safety belts, like air bags, are vehicle specific.
"Deviation from original installation geometry can result in delayed or
nonlocking retractors.  There is a potential to reduce the restraint of belt
anchor points.  Any mixing of belt components increases the likelihood of
reduced safety performance.
    "As a result of a traffic crash, safety belts could receive damage that
would not be obvious or otherwise go undetected.  Webbing, buckles and major
load-bearing components could be stressed beyond the manufacturer's safe
limits, reducing overall system strength and reliability," Kirchoff said.
    "AORC member companies do not support the use of unqualified components
for the manufacture or repair of air bags or safety belts.  The risk to
vehicle occupants would be too great," Kirchoff said.