NHTSA Issues Consumer Alert Regarding Counterfeit Replacement Airbags

Global Automakers Urges Impacted Consumers to Heed Warnings

WASHINGTON--Oct. 10, 2012: The Association of Global Automakers urges consumers to make sure that only original equipment replacement airbags are used when having a vehicle repaired after a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today issued a consumer alert warning of the dangers of counterfeit airbags, which may have been installed in the last three years by someone other than an authorized dealer.

"Counterfeit replacement airbags are a serious safety problem," said Mike Stanton, Global Automakers president and CEO.  "Only original equipment replacement airbags should be used in a repair to ensure that the vehicle performs as designed in the event of a crash."

NHTSA has placed information on its website Safer Car to help consumers ascertain whether their vehicles are at risk.  Consumers who have had their airbag replaced in the last three years by someone other than an authorized dealer, or do not know their vehicles' history, are strongly encouraged to contact NHTSA.

"We want to make sure vehicles on the road are as safe as possible," said Stanton.  "That is why we are fully cooperating with NHTSA to help get this message out.  While NHTSA thinks this is limited to a small number of vehicles, it is important that consumers verify that their vehicles have original equipment replacement airbags."