Beware of counterfeit air-bags

[Saint in Paradise]

Don't know IF it is a problem in UK but appears to be elsewhere now.

 

 

"That's an issue worth considering even more closely in light of a disturbing report out of America, where despite massive regulatory imposts

counterfeit parts present a huge headache.

 

The United States' foremost vehicle safety guardian, the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority, has just released a sobering study i

nto what happens when a car fitted with a counterfeit airbag is put through a crash test exercise.

 

The agency's video comparing the function of normal and counterfeit airbags is especially of concern.

 

During 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.

 

What's truly frightening is that 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? The American experience is that 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, repairers that have purchased airbags online may also have inadvertently installed the faulty hardware, the NHTSA says."

 

http://nz.lifestyle.yahoo.com/autos/blogs/richard-bosselman/b/-/15238560/fake-airbag-safety-shocker/

 

.

[Spudders]

It's mental really that of all the different products in the world that scammers and shysters could choose to produce to make a quick buck, they choose something that could be the cause of someones death. What utter scumbags.

[alpine_saint]

I work on airbag system and component design.

 

I am genuinely bewildered at how this is possible. Airbag deployment systems are f**king complex. You cant just buy an airbag and install it in the car like its a spare bulb.