WARNING: Counterfeit Airbags a Nationwide Problem

New Port Richey, Florida – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a warning this month regarding counterfeit airbags that have been used as replacement airbags in some vehicles. Currently, the NHTSA is working aggressively with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Justice to find out more information about where these counterfeit airbags are being made and how to stop them from being imported into the U.S.

The NHTSA believes these fake airbags have been installed by non-affiliated auto body shops within the last three years. The counterfeit airbags were only installed for certain makes and models of cars. A complete list of these vehicles can be found here.

Those that have purchased their vehicles new and have not had their airbags replaced are not affected. In addition, those that were involved in a collision and had their airbags replaced at a repair shop that is connected with a new car dealership should also be in the clear.

The NHTSA conducted tests on these airbags and found that 90 percent did not inflate at all or only partially inflated. When one of the bags deployed, shards of metal were released. According to the NHTSA, the counterfeit airbags appear real, and some even have stamps from auto manufacturers.

As of now, the NHTSA is unaware of any injuries or deaths associated with these fake airbags.

It is recommended for all car owners who have had their airbags replaced with a non-affiliated repair shop to take their vehicle into a reputable shop to be checked. If an airbag is found to be counterfeit, it should be replaced immediately.

Unfortunately, shops using these counterfeit airbags are not looking out for the safety of others and instead just looking to cut costs. Airbags are known to prevent serious injuries in car accidents, and these fake airbags could lead to fatal injuries. If you believe that you or someone you love was injured in an accident by a counterfeit or faulty airbag, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your pain and suffering by bringing a personal injury or product liability lawsuit against the auto body or repair shop that installed the airbag.

Following an auto accident injury in New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Land O’Lakes, Hudson, Holiday, Lutz, Trinity or Wesley Chapel, the Pasco County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can provide you with a detailed evaluation of the merits of your case. Contact us today online or call our New Port Richey office at 727-847-2299 to learn about your legal options.