RSS Official: NHTSA warns consumers about dangers of counterfeit airbags [w/video]

[Ringo64]

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Videos

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration is warning vehicle owners of the dangers of counterfeit airbags. During NHTSA testing, the agency discovered fake components that could fail in a spectacular manner, either by not deploying during an accident or by launching hot shrapnel into the driver's face and hands. Currently, the government agency says it is unaware of how large the counterfeit airbag problem could be.

The components are not being installed in new vehicles. Rather, the fake airbags are being used as replacement parts in vehicles that have been involved in an accident.

Even worse, the replacement parts may look identical to original equipment pieces, right down to the labeling. So, how do you know if your vehicle has a counterfeit airbag? NHTSA says any car or truck that has been in an accident and had its airbag replaced within the past three years by any shop not part of a dealership is at risk. Additionally, shops that have purchased airbags online may also have inadvertently installed the faulty hardware.

NHTSA recommends that owners who believe their car or truck may have been repaired using the fake airbags contact a call center operated by their vehicle's manufacturer and arrange to have the airbag inspected. Customers can expect to pay for the inspection themselves. Take a look at the full press release below, including a list of every potentially affected vehicle, as well as a video comparing the function of normal and counterfeit airbags.

Continue reading NHTSA warns consumers about dangers of counterfeit airbags [w/video]

NHTSA warns consumers about dangers of counterfeit airbags [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.<h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6>Permalink | Email this | Comments

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