Drivers Beware of Counterfeit Airbags

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wants vehicle owners and repair professionals be alert to the dangers of counterfeit airbags. 

The consumer safety advisory was issued recently after the NHTSA became aware of a problem involving the sale of counterfeit air bags for use as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in a crash.

Although the fake air bags look nearly identical to certified, original equipment  — including bearing the insignia and branding of major automakers — NHTSA testing showed consistent malfunctioning. Dangers include non-deployment of the air bag to the expulsion of metal shrapnel.

NHTSA is not aware and deaths or injuries have been reported as connected with the counterfeit airbags of or injuries connected to counterfeit air bags. 

For more information, including a list of vehicles for which counterfeit airbags are available for, click here: http://atlanta.bbb.org/article/BBB-and-Federal-Government-Warn-Consumers-and-Repair-Shops-about-Counterfei-37599