Counterfeit Airbags

Each year there are approximate 10 - 21 million motor vehicle accidents (1980 - 2010) that occur. Federal regulations / laws Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) require vehicle manufacturer's to install certain safety devices, such as airbags, in vehicles that were manufacturers after a specific date of manufacturing.

Counterfeit Airbags

Generally, airbags should deploy when the vehicle is traveling a range of speed along with a minimum directional impact force(s). Some safety equipment could be very expensive, and unfortunately the counterfeit airbags were born. In general, counterfeit airbags showed: never-ending malfunctioning from non-deployment to exploding metal particulars from the deployment; projected within the occupant compartment. The end result is that the air bags did not function in accordance to the required federal law / regulations - FMVSS as well as the original intended design. 

Counterfeit Automobile Airbags - High Risk

Recently bought or had deployed airbags replaced, in which the cost factor was far less than Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or certified airbags. Pre-owned vehicle in which the history is unknown. Titled vehicles that were labeled savage, rebuilt, reconstructed.

Counterfeit Automobile Airbags - Low Risk 

Vehicle(s) that were bought new Established history of the vehicle. In general, counterfeit airbags showed: never-ending malfunctioning from non-deployment to exploding metal particulars from the deployment; projected within the occupant compartment. The end result is that the air bags did not function in accordance to the required federal law / regulations - FMVSS as well as the original intended design. 

Counterfeit Automobile Airbags - High Risk

Recently bought or had deployed airbags replaced, in which the cost factor was far less than Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or certified airbags.Pre-owned vehicle in which the history is unknown. Titled vehicles that were labeled savage, rebuilt, reconstructed.

Counterfeit Automobile Airbags - Low Risk 

Vehicle(s) that were bought new, Established history of the vehicle.

Detecting Counterfeit Air Bags

Inspect the airbag general area. Look for bulges, uneven seams, crimp connectors, etc. Obtain a vehicle history report. Examine for serious collision, that the airbag(s) had to be replaced.

Suspected Counterfeit Airbags - Actions To Consider 

If you suspect the air bag(s) of being counterfeit, contact an OEM dealer for an inspection of the device(s), along with the NHSTA / law enforcement to report this occurrence.

Conclusion - Counterfeit Airbags

Automobile air bags were design and installed in vehicles for occupants safety, in which if properly operating they inflate to limit injuries. By using questionable air bags, one is gambling with occupants safety and others. Some of the most popular vehicle that counterfeit air bags that were and/or are available. Figure 1 is a counterfeit airbag list1 of these vehicles:

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Includes the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey (NJ), New Mexico, New York / NY / New York City / NYC, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania (PA) , Rhodes Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

** This article  is for informational purposes only. **