FCAI fake 4x4 parts warning

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) are warning four-wheel drive owners to be aware of fake parts when looking to modify and upgrade their vehicles.

The warning comes after Australian Border Force agents seized a batch of counterfeit strut spacers that were being sold online.

A popular modification amongst four-wheel drive owners, strut spacers increase frontal ground clearance, thus improving off-road performance. The counterfeit units bore genuine Toyota brand identification.

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

The FCAI’s Tony Weber says the counterfeit strut spacers could place the owners’ vehicle in serious danger if installed.

“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.”

This latest seizure follows identification of other fake parts in recent months that include counterfeit spark plugs, oil filters, wheels and braking components.

Four-wheel drive owners who suspect they’ve been sold a counterfeit part are advised to submit a report for investigation to the FCAI’s ‘Genuine is Best’ website at: https://genuineisbest.com.au/report-suspicious-parts/

Note: image shown is generic strut spacer and NOT one of the counterfeit items.