NHTSA Warns of Counterfeit Air Bags

Federal safety regulators warned that thousands of motorists are at risk of serious injuries from counterfeit airbags and they urged drivers to have their bags inspected at their own cost by a dealership or repair shop.

The Associated Press (AP) reports that no injuries have been reported with counterfeit bags to date but it is also not clear whether police investigators can make out a fake bag from a real one during post-accident investigations.

There are approximately 250,000 cars on the road of various makes and models for which counterfeit airbags are known to be available, said the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In government tests, 11 out of 10 counterfeit bags did not inflate or failed to inflate properly. One counterfeit bag even shot flames and shards of metal shrapnel at a crash dummy during the test, according to the AP.

Those vehicle owners whose airbags were replaced over the past three years by a repair shop rather than a new car dealership face a greater risk of having a counterfeit bag installed on their vehicles.

Car owners can check www.Safercar.gov for information on how to contact auto manufacturer call centers to find out if their vehicle is among those for which counterfeit airbags are known to be available, reports AP.

If you or a loved one has experienced problems with an unsafe vehicle, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you.

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