BRIEF-US safety regulator issues warning about possible counterfeit air bags used as relacement parts in cars involved in accidents

DETROIT Oct 10 (Reuters) - * US safety regulator issue warning to consumers regarding possible counterfeit

air bags used as relacement parts in cars involved in accidents * Nhtsa says counterfeit replacement air bags may not deploy or expel metal

shrapnel in an accident * Nhtsa says not aware of any deaths or injuries connected to counterfeit air

bags * Nhtsa says full scope of problem uncertain, but it believes issue affects

less than 0.1 percent of US vehicle fleet * Nhtsa says only vehicles that have had air bags replaced in past three years

by repair shop that is not part o new car dealership may be at risk