An auto manufacturer is excused from liability if it can be shown the defect was in a component part purchased from a manufacturer.

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This is known as the component parts doctrine or the "sophisticated purchaser" defense, where the auto manufacturer can prove that they did not design or manufacture the defective component part, and that they reasonably relied on the expertise of the supplier to provide a safe and reliable part. Therefore, the liability would fall on the manufacturer of the defective component part.

An Auto Manufacturer Is Excused from Liability If It Can