Ontario issues safety hazard warning about defective rebuilt air bags from defunct Quebec supplier

In an urgent release from Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation, auto repair firms and parts suppliers have been asked to contact clients in Ontario who may have purchased unsafe, rebuilt air bags, and report their results to the Ministry.

The move comes following a report by the Socit de l’assurance automobile du Qubec (SAAQ), that a Qubec firm, National Sacs Gonflables Inc. (National), had rebuilt and sold defective rebuilt air bags in Quebec and other provinces including Ontario.

“The process of notifying affected consumers is already underway,” Transportation Minister Brad Clark said. “To date, we have not received any report of Ontarians suffering injuries stemming from rebuilt air bags. However, we are taking extra steps to ensure consumers get this important information.”

The defective rebuilt air bags have been distributed by National since early 1998. About 1600 vehicles in Ontario are affected. Auto repair shops in Ontario have been asked to provide the ministry with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) of affected vehicles. The Ministry of Transportation will send follow-up letters to affected vehicle owners. “Follow-up by repair shops with their clients is the first step in the notification process,” Clark said. “This is a unique situation because the company has gone bankrupt. We will monitor the situation and continue to update the public with additional information as it becomes available.”