NHTSA Investigates Deadly Replacement Airbags in Used Vehicles

NHTSA reports fatal risks from unapproved replacement airbag inflators found in used cars after past crashes. Learn what buyers should check before purchase.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a warning over a growing safety risk in the used car market, linked to replacement airbags installed after previous crashes.

The agency says these replacement inflators were not approved by automakers and were likely imported into the United States illegally. In multiple cases, they failed catastrophically during collisions, rupturing and sending metal fragments into the passenger compartment.

Investigators have confirmed at least ten crashes involving these faulty inflators. Eight of them resulted in fatalities, while two drivers suffered life-altering injuries. All of the incidents occurred in crashes that regulators described as otherwise survivable.

The affected vehicles were used Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata sedans that had undergone repairs after earlier airbag deployments. According to NHTSA, cars with a history of severe damage and rebuilt or salvage status are especially vulnerable, as non-approved parts may be used during repairs.

The inflators were traced to Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Company, a Chinese manufacturer commonly referred to as DTN. These components were not authorized for use as legitimate replacement parts in the U.S., and officials believe as many as 10,000 of them could still be in circulation.

Federal regulators are now working to track how the inflators entered the supply chain and where they may still be installed. At the same time, NHTSA is urging used-car buyers to have vehicles with prior airbag deployments inspected, and reminding repair shops to remain vigilant when sourcing safety-critical components.