Summary:
As car recalls often focus on defective airbags, a new report highlights a rising concern: counterfeit airbags. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has seized over 200,000 counterfeit automotive parts this year, including 500 airbags—ten times the amount seized in 2023. This surge indicates a significant risk to vehicle safety. As many cars needing airbag replacements after accidents could receive fake ones.
The exact number of counterfeit bags on the road is unknown, but the safety implications are severe. While there’s a slim chance that these substandard airbags could function adequately, most drivers wouldn’t take the risk. Fake ones may fail to deploy in crashes, leaving passengers vulnerable. In some instances, they might explode with excessive force. This turns metal components into dangerous shrapnel within the vehicle, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been at least three reported deaths in the past year linked to such incidents.
To determine if you have counterfeit airbags, consulting an auto mechanic is crucial. They can inspect the airbags for legitimate markings indicating their source and verify proper installation and functionality through the vehicle’s electronic systems. With counterfeit bags posing a significant threat to driver and passenger safety, it’s essential for car owners to ensure theirs are genuine and properly installed.
Motor Biscuit
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