BAR and industry respond to counterfeit airbag risk
Counterfeit airbags and components pose a serious safety risk to consumers and a growing challenge for automotive repair dealers. While California law prohibits their installation, the rapid growth of online marketplaces and third-party sellers has made it easier for counterfeit airbags to enter the supply chain—often without the knowledge of technicians or consumers. Because these parts can closely resemble original equipment manufacturer (OEM) products in both appearance and packaging, they can be difficult to identify, increasing the likelihood that unsafe components may be installed.
In response, the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, Inc. (A2C2) is working with manufacturers and industry partners to detect and eliminate counterfeit components. At the same time, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is developing regulatory measures to strengthen consumer protections and establish clear standards for airbag repairs. Together, these efforts are intended to limit the distribution of unsafe parts and support automotive repair dealers in performing safe and lawful repairs.
Identifying and reporting suspect airbags
A2C2 provides technical and investigative support to help identify suspected counterfeit airbags and airbag components. Their team of manufacturer engineers and investigators can review photographs, inspect components, and assist in determining whether a part is counterfeit—even after installation.
A2C2 encourages automotive repair dealers to exercise caution when sourcing, inspecting, and installing safety-related components. Repair businesses who suspect a counterfeit airbag should:
Preserve the part when possible
Document identifying markings, packaging, and related vehicle information
Contact A2C2 to request a technical analysis
BAR’s regulatory proposal
To strengthen consumer safety and support legitimate repair businesses, BAR has developed a regulatory proposal addressing airbag safety. The proposal would prohibit automotive repair dealers from manufacturing, importing, installing, reinstalling, distributing, selling, or offering for sale airbags that are known, or should reasonably be known to:
Have been previously deployed
Have an electrical fault
Include a component designed to mislead the vehicle owner or operator into believing a functional airbag has been installed
Display a mark identical or substantially similar to the genuine mark of a motor vehicle manufacturer, or of a supplier of parts to the manufacturer of a motor vehicle, without authorization from that manufacturer or supplier
The proposal would also require automotive repair dealers to:
Restore airbags to OEM operating condition
Purchase replacement components only from OEMs or authorized suppliers
Retain receipts for all airbag parts received or purchased
BAR is currently working with the Department of Consumer Affairs, under which the Bureau is organized, to advance the proposal through the regulatory review process. Upon approval, the Bureau will file the proposal with the Office of Administrative Law to notify interested parties and begin a 45-day public comment period.
Protecting public safety
Federal safety officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are also aware of the safety issues posed by counterfeit airbags and airbag components and have published a warning about the dangers of substandard replacement airbags, including inflators linked to fatal crashes in otherwise survivable collisions. These warnings emphasize the importance of proper sourcing and verification of safety-critical components.
Protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in vehicle safety systems requires continued coordination among automotive repair dealers, manufacturers, industry partners, and regulators. By sourcing parts responsibly, maintaining proper documentation, and reporting suspicious components, repair businesses help reduce risk, limit liability exposure, and promote a fair and trustworthy repair industry.
Information about counterfeit parts and reporting resources is available at www.a2c2.com. NHTSA’s consumer alert regarding deadly airbag replacements is also available online.
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