fbpx
  • Posts
  • /
  • Counterfeit Off-Road Parts Seized

13 September 2021

Counterfeit Off-Road Parts Seized

Four-wheel drive enthusiasts are at risk of being duped by counterfeit ‘strut spacers’ that place vehicles in danger of catastrophic failure. The strut spacers promise to improve off-road performance, illegally bearing genuine brand marks to deceive drivers into thinking they have received a part backed by their vehicle’s maker.

Marketed online, a batch was recently seized by Australian Border Force.

The strut spacers create an increase in frontal ground clearance. Enthusiasts are sold what appears to be a genuine product on the promise of increased off-road driving capability.

A Toyota Australia spokesperson said that these parts are unknown and have not been tested and/or evaluated to Toyota’s standards, causing potential safety, quality and performance ramifications if installed to a Toyota vehicle.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber also expressed concern about the fitment of fake parts to vehicles.

“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.”

“Manufacturers across the industry are sending a clear message to the buyers of counterfeit parts. 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.”

Other dangerous parts seized, identified, or tested by Genuine is Best 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.

Australian motorists who suspect they may have been sold a counterfeit part should submit a report for investigation at https://genuineisbest.com.au/report-suspicious-parts/

Genuine Articles

3 tips to spot counterfeit car parts
November 7 to 11 is Scam Awareness Week. More now than ever before, Aussies are at risk of being scammed by counterfeit auto parts.
Winter Car Safety Check
Ready or not, winter is coming and it’s coming fast. Our quick checklist will help you make sure your car is safe for the
Your car, your choice?
What are genuine parts? Why use genuine parts? How to keep your car genuine Australians want a say in how their vehicles are repaired,
Easter Car Safety Check
Easter weather might be the hardest to predict of the year. Torrential downpour? Crisp sunshine? Both? What’s certain for drivers striking out this Easter
68% of car buyers would pay more for a car repaired with genuine parts
What are genuine parts? Why use genuine parts? How to keep your car genuine Nearly seven in every 10 Australian car buyers, looking to
83% of car buyers would prefer to buy genuine part repaired vehicles
What are genuine parts? Why use genuine parts? How to keep your car genuine 83 per cent of Australians looking to buy a car
81% of car buyers agree: Genuine vehicles a better investment
What are genuine parts? Why use genuine parts? How to keep your car genuine More than eight in every ten people planning to buy
87% of car buyers agree genuine parts maintain car value
What are genuine parts? Why use genuine parts? How to keep your car genuine Nearly nine out of every 10 people planning to buy
Scroll to Top

Subscribe to get
our latest updates

We use cookies

We want to be Genuine with you. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, provide social media features and to analyse traffic. We will never share your personal information, but we may share data about your use of the site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. (View Terms & Conditions)