Do aftermarket parts manufacturer's face product liability issues?

[Carrameow]

Last month I tried to order a Girling Rear caliper rebuild kit and I was told by my independent that the part was no longer manufactured because any aftermarket supplier who did supply such a unit would be crazy to because of possible product liability lawsuits.
I shrugged my shoulder's and walked awy miffed.
He could be correct, as was the case of Bridgestone Tires on Ford Explorer's and Pinto fuel tanks.
Or he could be totally generalizing, because it would be hard to litigate against anything done to a car during the process of repair, as there are so many factors involved, such as the shop or private individual's ability to install the part, the part's quality, and use or misuse of the part.
I don't think any legal precedent exists to support this and I checked on line.