General Motors is warning collision repairers against installing used, salvaged or imitation supplemental restraint system (SRS) components, stating that only new genuine parts should be used when repairing its vehicles.
In a position statement dated March 9, the automaker says its vehicles, systems and components are engineered and validated as integrated systems designed to protect occupants and deliver expected safety and performance.
“GM vehicles, systems, and components are engineered, tested, and manufactured to help protect vehicle occupants and deliver the safety, durability, and performance expected of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles,” the statement says. “GM Genuine Parts are designed, engineered, tested, and validated by GM.”
Because of the critical role restraint systems play in occupant protection, the automaker states it does not support the use of any used, salvaged or imitation SRS parts in repairs.
“Proper operation of the air bag system requires that any repairs to the vehicle be made with new, GM warranted parts,” the statement says. “Never use air bag parts from another vehicle or source.”
According to GM, original equipment restraint components are developed and calibrated for a specific vehicle environment. While components from other models or model years may appear similar or fit physically, internal elements or calibrations can differ and potentially degrade restraint performance.
The automaker also notes that its vehicles are designed and built to meet or exceed applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards. Installing restraint components other than those specified could result in reduced performance or, in some circumstances, render the system inoperative.
“A repair establishment that knowingly makes a regulated safety system inoperative violates the Safety Act and becomes liable accordingly,” the statement continues.
GM further cautions that the use of salvaged restraint components raises concerns about how those parts were previously handled or stored.
“Components could have been damaged or stored under unfavorable conditions that could compromise performance and reliability."
The automaker also warns that damage, failure or nonperformance linked to the installation or presence of non-GM parts – including aftermarket, salvage, recycled or reconditioned components – is not covered under the company’s new vehicle limited warranty or GM service plans.
“To ensure continued warranty coverage, GM requires that collision, structural, and system-dependent repairs utilize GM OE parts and GM approved procedures."
