The Pennsylvania Collision Trade Guild (PCTG) has sent a letter to state Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario asking him to intervene on behalf of consumers whose vehicles have been repaired with untested structural aftermarket parts. The group is one of many repairer organizations across the U.S. to call for action recently against the potentially unsafe parts.
“Citizens all across Pennsylvania and the entire country who are operating vehicles having been repaired utilizing untested and inferior replacement crash parts are in possible danger, as are their passengers,” PCTG Executive Director Ross DiBono and Director Stephen Behrndt wrote.
PCTG asked Ario to recall all vehicles repaired with untested structural aftermarket parts and, when necessary, have those vehicles re-repaired to pre-loss condition relative to safety and performance.
The group’s concern stems from a recent Collision Industry Conference demonstration by I-CAR instructor Toby Chess illustrating the difference between certain aftermarket parts and their OEM counterparts. After the demonstration, the Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA) and the Taiwan Auto Body Parts Association (TAPBA) called for their members to cease distributing and manufacturing untested structural aftermarket parts, including bumper reinforcements, steel bumpers, bumper brackets, radiator supports and absorbers.
More information:
• Read PCTG’s letter to Ario
• Aftermarket Body Parts: Safe or Not?
