many consumers, the phrase “counterfeit goods” conjures images of sidewalk vendors peddling knockoff designer handbags and watches. But beyond these seemingly innocuous imitations lies a far more dangerous black market—one that threatens the very safety of drivers and passengers on America’s roads.
Counterfeit airbags, an issue largely unknown to the average car owner, pose a grave risk. Unlike legitimate safety devices engineered to save lives in a crash, these counterfeit products can fail catastrophically—or worse, act like explosives upon deployment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented instances where these fraudulent airbags have not just failed to protect but have actively endangered occupants, sometimes with fatal consequences.
A Growing Threat
Most drivers never consider the authenticity of the airbags in their vehicles. Yet, beneath the surface of the used-parts market, a troubling trade is flourishing. Counterfeit airbags, often originating from illicit manufacturers overseas, infiltrate repair shops and salvage yards, making their way into unsuspecting vehicles.
The scale of the problem is difficult to quantify, but its impact is becoming alarmingly clear. In the first half of 2024, The Wall Street Journal reported at least five fatalities or serious injuries linked to counterfeit airbags. In response, NHTSA issued a consumer advisory, urging drivers to ensure their vehicles are equipped with genuine safety components.
A Decade of Action
This is not a new problem, nor is it one without efforts to combat it. For nearly a decade, Honda has been at the forefront of initiatives to curb the sale and distribution of counterfeit airbags. Alongside other major automakers, the company helped establish the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council (A2C2), an industry-wide coalition dedicated to identifying and dismantling counterfeit operations.
Through coordinated efforts with the Department of Homeland Security, A2C2 has provided expert testimony in court, assisted in raids targeting counterfeit suppliers, and trained law enforcement officers to recognize and intercept fraudulent parts before they reach consumers.
While these measures have undoubtedly saved lives, they remain only part of the solution. The most effective safeguard is preventing these products from reaching the market at all. That effort requires stronger enforcement mechanisms and expanded legal authority. Honda has been instrumental in advocating for such reforms, helping push legislation that now bans the sale of counterfeit airbags in 38 states. But with 12 states still lacking such protections—and cars crossing state lines every day—the work is far from over.
The Human Cost
The dangers of counterfeit airbags are not abstract. They affect real people, often in moments of vulnerability.
Years ago, before I joined Honda, I was driving a friend home from a baseball game in Baltimore when an impaired driver ran a red light and crashed into us head-on. My car’s airbags deployed instantly, cushioning the impact. As the dust settled, I turned to my friend—both of us shaken, but unharmed.
The car was totaled, but the airbags had done their job.
In the weeks that followed, as I struggled to manage life without a vehicle, I understood firsthand the temptation of cheap, quick-fix repairs. In moments like those, counterfeit airbags can slip into the market unnoticed, installed in cars whose owners are simply looking for an affordable way to get back on the road.
Had I unknowingly replaced my airbags with fakes, the outcome of a future crash could have been drastically different—not just for me, but for the next owner of my car.
Staying Vigilant
The fight against counterfeit airbags is not one that automakers can win alone. It requires vigilance from regulators, lawmakers, law enforcement, and, most importantly, consumers.
A2C2, in partnership with the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, has launched a public awareness campaign to educate drivers about the risks of counterfeit parts and the importance of choosing reputable repair shops. Consumers can protect themselves by ensuring their airbags and other critical safety components come from authorized dealers and verified sources.
The next time you consider a low-cost repair or a deeply discounted replacement part, remember: When it comes to safety, the cheapest option can be the most dangerous.