Airbags stolen!

[Frank Patrick]

Never thought about checking e-bay, but your suggestions are good.
In fact the Sheriff's department told me there are law enforcement agencies working this issue, trying to find both sellers AND buyers. He told me of a recent Ford Motor car case where Ford was sued as a result of a fatal car crash where the drivers bag did not deploy. The vehicle in question was throughly examined, and found to have a "black market" relacement airbag This was done by a body shop that used a stolen bag for the repair. Although virtually anyone handy with tools can put the bag in; on newer model cars, the rate of bag deployment is keyed to the cars main computer, and special equipment; pretty much (dealer only) makes the appropriate connection. This determines, amongst other info- speed of car, weight of passengar etc. The new "Smart Bags", make adjustments in inflation rate, based on the size of the occupant it trying to protect.In this case Ford sucessfully proved, that although it was a Ford airbag, the vin numbers and inflator part number did NOT match. The body shop on a plea agreement coorporated with Police investigators to reduce their penalties.