The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has strict regulations regarding the sale of used vehicles. These regulations include a requirement that all airbags be in working order and that the airbag light be off.
If a dealer attempts to sell you a vehicle with an illuminated airbag light, you should not buy the vehicle. You can report the dealer to the NHTSA by calling the agency's hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
Here are some additional things you should know about buying a used car with an airbag light on:
* The airbag light may be illuminated for a number of reasons, some of which may not be serious. However, it is always best to have an illuminated airbag light diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to ensure that the airbags are working properly.
* If the airbag light is illuminated because of a problem with the airbags, it may be very expensive to repair. This is something to keep in mind when negotiating the price of a used car with an illuminated airbag light.
* If you decide to buy a used car with an illuminated airbag light, make sure that the dealer provides you with a written warranty that covers the repair of the airbag system.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from buying a used car with a dangerous safety defect.