National Highway Transportation Safety Administration announced that it has come to its attention that the use of counterfeit air bags is a growing problem and safety concern. Although NHTSA does not know the full scope of the problem, the risks to consumers are significant – “Anytime equipment that is critical to protecting drivers and passengers fails to operate properly, it is a serious safety concern,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
As I recently wrote in an earlier blog, air bag systems are highly complicated safety devices. Air bag systems can and do save lives, but they must function properly in order for them to do so. You do not want a counterfeit air bag in your car.
What can you do about it? NHTSA recommends that at risk consumers should contact the call center established by their auto manufacturer. At risk consumers include:
→ Consumers who have had air bags replaced within the past three years at a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership
→ Consumers who have purchased a used car that may have sustained an air bag deployment before their purchase
→ Consumers who own a car with a title branded salvage, rebuilt, or reconstructed
→ Consumers who have purchased replacement air bags from eBay or other non-certified sources – especially if they were purchased at unusually low prices (i.e., less than $400)
→ Consumers who purchased their vehicle new and have not had the air bags replaced, and consumers who have full knowledge of the entire history of their used vehicle, are considered to be less at risk
Contact information for the most common manufacturers is as follows:
| American Suzuki Motor Corporation1-800-934-0934 | Acura Client Relations1-800-382-2238 |
| Audi1-800-253-2834 | BMW Group1-800-831-1117 |
| Chrysler1-800-247-9753 | Ford Motor Company1-800-392-3673 / 1-800-232-5952 (TDD) |
| General Motors1-866-237-3601 | Honda Automobile Customer Service1-800-999-1009 |
| Hyundai Motor America Consumer Affairs1-800-633-5151 | Infiniti Consumer Affairs1-800-662-6200 |
| Jaguar1-800-637-6837 | Land Rover1-800-452-4827 |
| Kia Consumer Assistance Center1-800-333-4542 | Lexus1-800-255-3987 |
| Mazda1-800-222-5500 | Mercedes–Benz USA1-800-367-6372 |
| Mitsubishi Motors1-888-648-7820 | Nissan Consumer Affairs1-800-647-7261 |
| Subaru of America, Inc.1-800-782-2783 | Toyota1-800-331-4331 |
| Volkswagen1-800-822-8987 | Volvo1-800-433-8236 |
According to NHTSA, counterfeit air bags are available for the following vehicle makes and models:
| Make |
Model Year(s) |
Model(s) |
| Acura |
2009-2011 |
TSX |
| Audi |
2006-2009 |
A3, A4, A6, A8, Q5, Q7 |
| BMW |
2007-2011 |
X5, E70, E60, E61 |
|
2008-2010 |
5-series, 528i, 535i | |
|
2004-2007 |
5-Series, 525i, 530, 535, E60, E61 | |
|
2007-2011 |
E90, E91 | |
|
Not listed |
E92, E93 | |
|
2007-2011 |
X5, E70 | |
|
2004-2007 |
525i, 530, 535 | |
|
2011-2012 |
X3 | |
| Buick |
2010-2011 |
Lacrosse |
| Chevrolet |
2011-2012 |
Cruze |
|
2006-2010 |
Aveo | |
|
2011-2012 |
Volt | |
|
2012 |
Camaro | |
| Ford |
2012 |
Focus |
|
2005-2009 |
Mustang | |
| Honda |
2003-2012 |
Accord |
|
2006-2011 |
Civic | |
|
2002-2011 |
CRV | |
|
2007-2011 |
Fit | |
|
2009-2011 |
Pilot | |
|
2009-2011 |
Insight | |
|
2009-2011 |
Crosstour | |
|
2011 |
Odyssey | |
| Hyundai |
2007-2011 |
Elantra |
|
Not listed |
Genesis | |
|
Not listed |
Sonata | |
| Infiniti |
2007-2011 |
G35, EX35 |
| Kia |
2010-2011 |
Soul/Forte |
|
2004-2009 |
Spectra | |
| Land Rover |
2012 |
Range Rover Evoque |
| Lexus |
2006-2011 |
IS250, IS350, IS-F |
|
2003-2008 |
GX470 | |
|
2007-2009 |
RX350 | |
|
Not listed |
ES350 | |
| Mazda |
2004 |
Mazda 3 |
|
2010-2012 |
Mazda 3 | |
| Mercedes |
2009-2011 |
C, GLK |
|
2010-2011 |
E350, E550 | |
|
2007-2008 |
S550 | |
|
2006-2009 |
ML | |
|
2009-2010 |
GL, ML | |
| Mitsubishi |
Not listed |
Outlander |
| Nissan |
1992-2002 |
Quest |
|
2010-2011 |
Quest | |
|
2009-2011 |
Cube | |
|
2007-2011 |
Versa | |
|
2009-2010 |
Murano | |
|
Not listed |
Altima | |
| Subaru |
2008-2009 |
Forester |
|
2008-2009 |
Imprezza | |
|
2008-2009 |
Outback | |
|
2010-2011 |
Legacy | |
| Suzuki |
2007-2010 |
SX4 |
| Toyota |
2002-2006 |
Camry |
|
2012 |
Camry | |
|
2009-2011 |
Corolla, Matrix | |
|
2007-2011 |
Yaris | |
|
2004-2011 |
Highlander | |
|
2004-2011 |
Sienna | |
|
2004-2011 |
Tacoma | |
|
2010-2012 |
Prius | |
|
2003-2006 |
Tundra | |
|
2007-2011 |
Tundra | |
|
2003-2006 |
Sequoia | |
|
2003-2010 |
Land Cruiser | |
|
2004-2007 |
Highlander | |
|
2008-2010 |
Highlander | |
|
2004-2009 |
4Runner | |
|
2007-2009 |
Solara | |
|
2005-2011 |
RAV4 | |
| Volkswagen |
2006-2010 |
Jetta |
| Volvo |
Not listed |
XC60, XC70 |
|
Not listed |
V70, S60, S80 |
