Scam Airbags Are Flooding the Market – Could Your Car Be at Risk?

Counterfeit airbags are a rising threat to driver safety. Many drivers have never even heard of them. Yet, they pose a deadly risk.

Counterfeit airbags are not just about deception, unlike fake designer bags or watches. They can fail to deploy or explode like a bomb. Instead of saving lives, they can cause serious injuries or death.

Authorities are seeing a surge in these dangerous fakes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that counterfeit airbags are a growing problem.

In the first half of 2024, at least five fatalities or serious injuries were linked to fake airbags.

Most of these counterfeits come from illegal operations overseas. Many are manufactured in China and sold through shady secondhand markets.

They often reach unsuspecting customers through independent repair shops and online sellers offering cheap parts.

Car owners may not even realize they have a fake airbag. After an accident, repair shops may install them to cut costs. If a driver buys a car with a counterfeit airbag, they might not know until it’s too late.

Honda and other automakers have been fighting this problem for nearly a decade. They helped form the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2) to stop the sale of fake airbags.

The coalition works with law enforcement, testifies in court, and assists in counterfeit raids.

Counterfeit airbags are a growing problem with at least three deaths linked to fake parts.

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These efforts have led to some successes. Thirty-eight states have passed laws prohibiting counterfeit airbag trafficking. However, twelve states still lack proper regulations, leaving millions of drivers at risk.

Vehicles often cross state lines. A car repaired in an unregulated state may end up anywhere. It makes federal action essential to closing loopholes and preventing these dangerous products from spreading.

The key to stopping counterfeit airbags is awareness. Many drivers don’t know they exist, let alone how to spot them. Educating the public is a crucial step in eliminating this threat.

A2C2 has launched a public awareness campaign with the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center to help consumers identify and avoid fake auto parts.

It emphasizes the importance of choosing reputable repair shops and certified parts.

Consumers must be cautious when buying replacement airbags. Deeply discounted products can be a red flag. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Drivers can take steps to protect themselves. First, always use authorized repair shops for airbag replacements. These facilities use genuine parts and follow strict safety protocols.

Second, check the documentation. The manufacturer should verify a certified part. If a seller refuses to provide proof of authenticity, walk away.

Third, research the seller. Look for reviews and ratings from other buyers. Avoid unknown online marketplaces that do not guarantee the authenticity of their products.

Lastly, check for recalls. Automakers issue recalls for faulty airbags, especially those from past safety scandals.

Personal stories highlight the importance of genuine airbags. One Honda executive shared the experience of surviving a near head-on collision. Because the vehicle had actual airbags, they walked away without serious injuries.

However, many others have not been as fortunate. Fake airbags have failed to deploy in crashes. Some have exploded, sending metal fragments into drivers and passengers.

Law enforcement continues to crack down on counterfeit operations. In recent years, Homeland Security has seized thousands of fake airbags. However, the problem persists as sellers find new ways to distribute them.

International cooperation is needed to combat the counterfeit airbag trade. Many of these products originate overseas, and stronger trade regulations and enforcement could help curb their production.

Automakers are urging lawmakers to take action. They want stricter laws that empower law enforcement to shut down counterfeiters.

Without legal consequences, these dangerous products will keep entering the market.

Consumers play a vital role in stopping counterfeit airbags. They must stay informed and take precautions when replacing safety components. Choosing cheap parts over safety is a gamble no one should take.

The auto industry is committed to eliminating counterfeit airbags. Manufacturers, law enforcement, and lawmakers must work together to ensure every vehicle has actual, life-saving airbags, not deadly fakes.

Drivers should remember one thing: safety has no price. Avoiding counterfeits can mean the difference between life and death. Making the right choices today can save lives tomorrow.