Used Car Warning: Illegal Air Bag Parts Linked to Deadly Shrapnel Injuries

Federal safety officials are issuing an urgent warning to used car owners after discovering that illegal air bag inflators imported from China have been linked to at least eight deaths and multiple serious injuries across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these dangerous components can turn minor crashes into fatal incidents by shooting metal shrapnel directly into drivers’ faces and chests.

The issue centers on substandard air bag inflators manufactured by a company known as DTN. These inflators are not approved for sale in the United States, yet investigators say they are still finding their way into American vehicles—often through aftermarket repairs following crashes.

“These are substandard inflators,” said NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison. “Even in minor crashes, they are over-pressurizing and firing metal fragments into drivers—crashes people should walk away from.”

Federal investigators believe these illegal air bag components are being sold online, attached to air bag modules, and installed in vehicles without drivers ever knowing.

So far, all known deaths tied to these illegal air bags involved:

• Chevrolet Malibus
• Hyundai Sonatas

Many of the affected vehicles had salvage or rebuilt titles, meaning they were previously declared total losses and later repaired. However, officials caution that the risk may extend beyond these models, especially in vehicles that have undergone air bag replacement after a crash.

One of the most alarming aspects of this warning is that drivers often have no idea what air bag components are installed in their vehicles.

“There’s nothing worse than safety equipment designed to save your life instead killing you in a crash you should survive,” Morrison said.

Because air bag replacements are usually hidden behind dashboards and steering wheels, unsafe parts can go undetected for years—until they deploy.

What Used Car Owners Should Do Now

The NHTSA is urging drivers to take immediate action, especially if they:

• Own a vehicle with a salvage or rebuilt title
• Know their vehicle was previously involved in a crash where air bags deployed
• Purchased a used car without a full repair history

Safety steps to take immediately:

1. Have your air bags inspected by a qualified mechanic or dealership.
2. Do not drive the vehicle if a DTN air bag inflator is found.
3. Replace the air bag with one that meets U.S. safety standards.
4. Report suspected illegal air bags to the NHTSA.
5. Always obtain a vehicle history report (such as Carfax) before buying a used car.

Legal Rights for Injured Drivers and Families

Drivers or families affected by defective or illegally installed air bags may have legal options, including:

• Product liability claims against sellers or installers of illegal components
• Negligent repair claims against repair shops that used unapproved parts
• Wrongful death claims for families who lost loved ones due to defective safety equipment

In many cases, liability may extend beyond the manufacturer to importers, online sellers, distributors, or repair facilities that knowingly—or negligently—installed unsafe air bag components.

Federal officials describe this as one of the most urgent vehicle safety warnings in years, particularly for families relying on used vehicles they believe are safe.

If you own or are considering purchasing a used car, experts say never skip a safety inspection, especially after prior crash repairs. What you can’t see behind the dashboard could make the difference between surviving a crash—or not.