The New York State Auto Collision Technicians Association, (NYSACTA) is alerting its members and the general public to the potential safety risks associated with the use of aftermarket crash parts. The group says it’s calling on all insurers in New York that specify the use of untested, non-OEM compliant crash parts to take corrective action immediately.
“The right thing to do is for insurers to issue an immediate recall to any consumer concerning any vehicle repaired with aftermarket safety parts. Insurers must be held accountable for all the costs of re-repair, and the consumer must demand a refund for those who paid an additional premium for the use of OEM parts or those who paid any difference to repair a vehicle with OEM parts,” said NYSACTA President Mike Orso. “The aftermarket industry needs to establish a formal recall system for these parts if and when they are used. The vehicle should have a permanent label affixed alerting future owners and passengers that the vehicle has been modified and safety could be affected.”
NSACTA advises consumers to call their repair shops or check repair invoices to identify if any aftermarket parts were installed on their vehicles. New York law requires shops to note the type of parts used in repairs.
Ed Kizenberger, NYSACTA executive director, added, “We have always been a proponent of following OEM guidelines and recommend our members strictly follow proven methods of collision repair. Remember: Shops are the professional experts assuming the ultimate liability for the repair.”
More information:
• NSF International Launches Aftermarket Parts Safety Certification Program
• CRA and Toby Chess to Bring Parts Safety Message To California Lawmakers
• Associations Warn Repairers of Liability of Untested Structural A/M Parts
• CAPA to Establish New Certification Standard for Aftermarket Bumpers
• Keystone Automotive Temporarily Halts Sale of Certain A/M Bumper Reinforcements
• ABPA Advises Distributors to Pull All Untested Aftermarket Parts
• Taiwan Auto Body Parts Association Tells Members to Pull Untested A/M Parts
