it would be difficult for a mechanic to diagnose that the airbag circuit had been bypassed unless they were specifically looking for it
a little bit different than not disclosing it burns oil or has other problems
other undisclosed faults are not likely to cause death
FIRST a couple of us answered the OPs question!
My responses having done this many times and I did indicate that it was primarily for track cars.
Then reading you response here is my comment and thoughts about that.
Most people do not inform a prospective buyer all the true reasons for selling the vehicle and all the problems which is why the majority of people sell a vehicle in the first place mainly the continuing problems and money spent to resolve them.
Who is clairvoyant to assume such things as what and what will not cause or cause a death in a vehicle accident death? Air bags have only been mandatory from auto manufactures for about 30 years and accordingly the studies indicate (not altogether because of the air bag in the steering wheel) 29% lives saved.
There are numerous informational about the 1998 air bag law and statistical studies before the law was effective.
Nothing I could find anywhere that a person or persons died while in volved in an automotive accident that the steering wheel air bag had been removed? I am not saying it never happened but I cant find one case? Maybe a few armchair internet jockeys can fond "one" somewhere? I did find this interest piece of information however! WOW!!
Millions of cars with faulty airbags still on roads despite 37 deaths, recall