US Issues Urgent Safety Warning After Deadly Crashes Involving Faulty Air Bags Made in China
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety warning to American used car buyers, owners, and repair shops, following two more deadly crashes in December caused by dangerous Chinese replacement air bag inflators likely imported illegally. The agency is aware of 10 crashes resulting in death or serious injury from ruptured replacement air bag inflators made by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd. (DTN) and imported into the United States.
NHTSA reports that eight drivers have been killed in otherwise survivable crashes, while two other drivers suffered severe injuries in vehicles that had their original air bags replaced with substandard airbags after a previous crash. The DTN air bag inflators malfunctioned, sending large metal fragments into drivers' chests, necks, eyes, and faces.
NHTSA opened an investigation into DTN replacement inflators in October after eight crashes and six deaths. The agency is working with law enforcement to address any illegal activities associated with the importation of these inflators, estimating the population of inflators under investigation at 10,000. All replacement air bags in the fatal crashes were installed in used Chevrolet Malibu or Hyundai Sonata vehicles, but NHTSA cannot confirm the risk is limited to these makes and models.
NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison emphasized the agency's focus on addressing the issue with industry and consumers. The agency issued an alert to the auto repair industry to be vigilant about these inflators and notify NHTSA immediately with any information.
NHTSA warns that DTN inflators are prohibited from sale in the United States, and anyone bringing them into the country and installing them is putting American families in danger. Consumers buying used vehicles that were in a previous crash where the air bag deployed should inspect the air bag immediately to ensure it is a legitimate replacement equivalent to the original.
