WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a safety alert to firefighters and EMS responders for the possibility of counterfeit airbags.
A release from the department said that the counterfeit bags were likely installed in vehicles that had previously been involved in an accident and needed a replacement.
The bags may not deploy during a crash or launch metal shrapnel during deployment.
Only less than 0.1 percent of U.S. vehicles are estimated to be affected, and only vehicles that have had an airbag replacement in the last three years at a repair shop that is not part of a new car dealership are at risk.
The department is warning firefighters and other responders to be aware of the situation in case they do respond to a call involving the faulty bags.
No deaths so far have been reported from the counterfeit airbags.