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Automakers' anti‑counterfeit group warns counterfeit airbags are killing drivers; BAR urged shops to check parts
Summary
The Automotive Anti‑Counterfeiting Council and automaker brand protection managers told BAR's advisory group counterfeit inflators and airbags bought online have caused at least six known deaths and multiple serious injuries; the council urged shops to contact OEM investigators before installing suspect units.
An industry coalition that tracks counterfeit automotive parts told the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s advisory group that counterfeit airbags sold online are a documented safety hazard that has caused fatalities.
John Ruttencutter, manager for the Automotive Anti‑Counterfeiting Council (A2C2), and industry representatives including an automaker brand protection manager presented crash footage, test data and case examples during the Oct. 29 meeting. Ruttencutter said the group has identified six fatalities and at least three serious injuries from incidents in which counterfeit inflators or airbags were installed in repaired vehicles and then failed to deploy or deployed dangerously during subsequent crashes. "When that airbag was told to deploy, it deployed in a manner that injured and killed the drivers," Ruttencutter said.
Ruttencutter…
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