It depends on why the inflators explode. If it is a design flaw as it seems NHTSA contends then your idea might be acceptable. If it’s a manufacturing flaw where in rare cases exhaust holes are clogged with manufacturing debris, then the likelihood of failure is much lower IMO.
I can see the law suits now against the inflator manufacturer, auto manufacturer, and US Government by “misinformed” people who were injured or the families for people killed by exploding inflators. Maybe it would be OK to turn them off but anyone that does it should have to sign a waiver that no one but them is responsible for any bad ramifications of turning the air bags off.
The Nhtsa has a process to be followed for disconnecting the air bag. This should suffice. If the stated air bag danger though and the reason for recall is dangerous shrapnel in the event they go off, seems like a legitimate concern. The Acura we traded sat in the lot, along with a lot ful of used acuras that could not be sold until the bag was changed. If it is bad enough to prevent a sale, it should be justification to just shut it off at the owners discretion.
However you cannot be forced to sign your legal rights away. That’s why the feds and the dealer needs to be involved. Signing a form would not release anyone from liability for other issues.
Was it a Ford or Subaru? I noticed that the 2009 Ford Fusion has an airbag sensor right under the front of the hood. I consider that dangerous. I can’t think of any reason for having an airbag sensor there other than to deliberately total out the car after a minor accident. The only danger a deer poses to the people in a car is if jumps and goes through the windshield.
No it was a full sized Pontiac bonneville. Don’t remember the year but maybe early 90s. The car was still drivable but they traded anyway. Likely there would have been no injuries without the bags. But that is not my point. If people feel safer that’s fine, but if you consider them more dangerous due to a recall, you should not be forced to take the chance or park the car for months.