The U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday warned consumers about the danger of counterfeit air bags, which look nearly identical to those that are certified.
The agency said the counterfeit air bags, which are sometimes installed by mechanics in vehicles previously in a crash, might not properly inflate in an accident or may also explode and send out metal shrapnel, posing a grave safety risk to American motorists.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that “anytime equipment that is critical to protecting drivers and passengers fails to operate properly, it is a serious safety concern.”
Only around 0.1 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet, or around 250,000 cars, might possibly have the counterfeit air bags, the statement adds.
“We want consumers to be immediately aware of this problem and to review our safety information to see if their vehicle could be in need of inspection,” LaHood said.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton added that “organized criminals” are responsible for the influx in the counterfeit products, without elaborating on how they get into the country.
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