When it comes to auto auctions, the highest bidder wins. But often buyers leave the lot in a vehicle that has a dangerous recall.
The 41 Action News Investigators discovered government vehicles are being sold at local auctions.
GSA Fleet Vehicle Sales sends its inventory to local auctions around Kansas City. While looking through roughly 50 cars, it was found that at least seven of them had recalls.
Some of the recalls include the dangerous Takata airbag that’s been known to rupture and cause injuries and several deaths. Others include faulty engines, or a door spring that can cause a driver’s door to fly open when driving down the road.
Consumer attorney Scott Waddell said by the time drivers are aware of the problem, it’s often too late.
“It’s either after a wreck, or after a major problem has manifested itself,” Waddell said.
Bidders can take steps to protect themselves by researching the car before heading to the auction lot.
GSA’s website has a list of inventory for each local auction.
When scrolling through the cars, potential bidders can see which vehicles have recalls. To find out why the vehicle is being recalled, buyers can type the VIN into an online database that will give them full details about the recall.
