Counterfeit Auto Parts: Fraudulent airbags are being found in record numbers by Customs and Border Patrol investigators

RALEIGH, NC (WTVD) — Attention drivers! A federal agency is warning that counterfeit airbags are being found at an alarming rate.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it has seized more than 211,000 counterfeit auto parts so far this year; that is almost double of last year.

CBP said it seized more than 490 counterfeit airbags in 2024, more than ten times the number of counterfeit airbags seized in 2023.

“The danger to consumers is that airbags can do two things. First, they do nothing, which puts you in a crash, and instead of being hit by an airbag to cushion the blow, you don’t have that and so people are seriously injured or worse,” said Patrick Olsen of CARFAX. The second problem that can occur with counterfeit airbags is that they are so poorly constructed that they explode with much greater force.

CARFAX data shows that in the past two years, almost two million cars have been back on the road after an accident in which the airbag deployed.

Olsen said each of these cases is an opportunity for scammers to install counterfeit air bags.

“The value to them is that they can put something in there that doesn’t work at all, or it’s poorly put together. It costs them $200 or $300 each. They’ll charge consumers $1,000 or more for that replacement, and they I will pocket the difference,” Olsen explained.

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A big question is: how do you protect yourself against counterfeit airbags and car parts? Experts say to make sure you go to a reputable mechanic and shops.

Researchers say counterfeit products are often offered for sale on online marketplaces. If the price is too good to be true, that is often a warning sign. Authorities say the counterfeit parts often arrive through U.S. ports, so CBP is closely monitoring the shipments.