Warning: Counterfeit Airbags

NHTSA: Fake Airbags Are Dangerous and Could Explode

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a warning to motorists that counterfeit airbags are being installed in automotive repair shops that could potentially malfunction, or worse, discharge metal shrapnel.

The investigation into the widespread presence of counterfeit airbags initially centered around Dai Zhensong, a Chinese national that was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, trafficking counterfeit airbags. Zhensong traveled to the United States in 2010 to sell counterfeit auto parts.

A list of vehicle makes and models that are potentially affected is available at the government website safercar.gov. The list is expected to evolve as more information about the counterfeit operation becomes available.

Officials indicated that only vehicles that have had an airbag replaced in the last three years at an auto body repair shop are at risk. Repair shops at new car dealerships are not thought to be dangerous, as dealerships are usually required to purchase parts directly from the manufacturer as a result of franchise agreements.

However, many dealerships do not have an auto body repair center, and as a result many insurance companies will refer their clients to auto shops that are not affiliated with automakers. The airbags are frequently advertised as being legitimate, and bear the official-looking emblems of manufacturers such as Honda or BMW.

NHTSA estimates that tens of thousands of drivers may be at risk. Approximately 250,000 cars on the road today can be outfitted with a counterfeit airbag, about 0.1 of the nations vehicles.

A government test conducted last month determined 10 out of the 11 counterfeit airbags tested did not deploy properly or malfunctioned in some way. One test resulted in a shrapnel discharge. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland indicated "It is an extreme safety risk."

If you have been injured in a car accident in the greater Denver area, please call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Sources: Counterfeit air bags could malfunction, explode, regulators warn, Airbag Knockoffs Fail in Crash Test Videos