Eight drivers have died in car crashes they likely would have survived if part of their air bags hadn’t shot large metal fragments into their bodies, top U.S. highway safety officials say.
Here’s what every used car owner needs to check now.
Dangerous air bag inflators illegally imported from China are to blame for eight drivers’ deaths and two cases of serious injuries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in what they called an “urgent warning.”
“These are substandard inflators, and when they’re in a crash, even a minor crash, they’re deploying and over-pressuring and shooting shrapnel to the face and chest of consumers or of the drivers,” Administrator Jonathan Morrison told News4.
The manufacturer linked to the air bags, known as DTN, says on their own website that the products are not allowed to be sold in the U.S.
Yet investigators say they’re ending up in American cars, most often after it is involved in a crash and the original air bag gets replaced.
“Somehow, these inflators are being imported into the United States, and they’re being attached to air bag modules, which are being sold – we think through online marketplaces,” Morrison said.
So far, all known deaths have involved Chevrolet Malibus and Hyundai Sonatas, many with salvage or rebuilt titles. But officials warn the risk may not be limited to these cars.
Drivers often have no idea which air bag parts are in their cars until it’s too late.
“There’s nothing worse than a piece of equipment that’s designed to save your life in serious crashes deploying and potentially killing you in minor crashes that you should walk away from,” Morrison said.
Here’s how to check if your air bag is safe
If your used car was ever in a crash in which the air bags deployed, especially if it has a salvage or rebuilt title, get it checked now, NHTSA said.
If a DTN air bag is found, do not drive the car until the air bag is replaced with one that meets U.S. safety standards.
You can report suspected illegal air bags to NHTSA. The agency urges buyers to get a vehicle history report before purchasing any used car, such as through Carfax.
News4 reached out to the Chinese company for comment and hasn’t heard back.
This is one of the most urgent vehicle safety warnings we’ve seen in years, and it could affect families who think they’re driving a perfectly safe car. If you’re buying a used car, experts say never skip the safety check.
