Counterfeit auto parts enter the U.S. supply chain causing fatalities and injuries

Counterfeit automotive parts — including brake pads, airbags, oil filters, and spark plugs — enter the U.S. through major ports and reach consumers via Amazon, eBay, and even traditional parts distributors who unknowingly stock them. So what? Unlike genuine parts that undergo rigorous crash testing and quality validation, counterfeit parts are made from inferior materials and fail to meet federal safety standards. So what? Between June 2023 and March 2024 alone, HSI documented at least 3 fatalities and 2 life-altering injuries from counterfeit parts. Counterfeit brake pads may have 40-60% less stopping power. Counterfeit airbags may deploy with metal shrapnel or not deploy at all. So what? Neither the mechanic installing the part nor the car owner can visually distinguish a counterfeit from a genuine part — the packaging, logos, and part numbers are copied exactly. So what? A repair shop buys what they believe are genuine Bosch brake pads from an online wholesaler at a competitive price, installs them in good faith, and unknowingly puts their customer's life at risk. This persists because the global counterfeit auto parts market is worth $45 billion, enforcement is fragmented across countries, and third-party marketplace sellers face minimal verification requirements.