PHMSA Safety Advisory Notice: Counterfeit and Substandard Vehicle Safety Devices
The safety advisory provides notice of the increased circulation of counterfeit and substandard safety devices—e.g., air bag inflators, air bag modules, seatbelt pretensioners, pyromechanical devices, and other supplemental restraint system (SRS) components used inside motor vehicles. Counterfeit parts may contain unapproved explosive devices and construction material and may pose additional transportation risks when compared to equipment manufactured through legitimate means to meet original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. PHMSA provides caution on purchasing or installing counterfeit and substandard safety devices in any automobiles manufactured or repaired in the United States, as they can cause serious injury or even death in a crash. See the Safety Advisory Notice for full details.