As the battle between authorities and the sale of online counterfeit car parts continues, the Australian Border Force seized a shipment of ‘strut spacers’ which promise to improve off-road performance but instead place vehicle and driver safety at risk.
The parts illegally bear genuine brand marks to deceive drivers, technicians, and repairers.
Counterfeits are designed to mislead people into thinking they have received a part backed by their vehicle’s maker.
“These unknown, untested and evidently dangerous parts have no place on Australian roads. The fact they are being marketed with the logos of vehicle brands is cause for tremendous concern. I applaud Border Force for taking action and removing these items,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said.
“The criminals marketing these are out to rip you off. Fitting a counterfeit part to a vehicle will have consequences. Once they have your money, the counterfeiters do not care about your safety and the safety of your family.”
The attempted importation of these parts highlight how the online market is flourishing and while this batch was caught, there is a good chance the next won’t be.
Other dangerous parts seized, identified, or tested include counterfeit spark plugs capable of causing massive engine damage, counterfeit oil filters that do not filter oil, wheels that shatter in low-speed pothole impacts, brake components containing asbestos and in one overseas case, brake pads made of compressed grass clippings.
Stay vigilant when making purchases online for your vehicle.
Vehicle owners who are concerned they have been sold a counterfeit vehicle part can lodge a report on the FCAI’s Genuine is Best website at https://genuineisbest.com.au/report-suspicious-parts/ . All reports are investigated by the appropriate brand and, if relevant, shared with IP enforcement officers at the Department of Home Affairs.
