by American regulators are warning drivers about a deadly danger that may be hiding in their cars. This concerns faulty Chinese-made inflatable airbag devices installed during repairs.
Rising Number of Victims
The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that faulty parts are linked to two new deaths, bringing the total known number of victims to eight. According to official data, at least ten accidents occurred due to the rupture of replacement inflator modules manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System. These parts were likely imported into the country illegally and used to repair vehicles that had previously been in accidents.
Which Cars Are at Risk?
All registered incidents involved Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata vehicles, with most having a restored or salvaged title status. This indicates that repair companies may have tried to save on parts, and then these cars were purchased by unsuspecting buyers. The government notes that these “dangerous, substandard inflator devices” malfunction during a crash, ejecting “large metal fragments into the driver’s chest, neck, eyes, and face.” In their action, they resemble a fragmentation mine more than a safety device, leading to tragic consequences.
Regulator Actions and Owner Recommendations
NHTSA urges repair companies to be vigilant about these faulty parts and report any information, adding that “whoever imports them into the country and installs them is putting American families at risk.” Federal agencies have already joined the investigation. Owners of vehicles that may have a suspicious inflator module installed are advised to contact their local FBI field office or the Department of Homeland Security investigations team.
Since it is difficult to independently determine which specific inflator device is installed in a car, the government advises owners of vehicles that were previously damaged in an accident to have them checked immediately. This is especially urgent for vehicles marked as “restored” or “salvaged.” If an inflator module manufactured by Detiannuo is found, such a vehicle must not be driven until the component is replaced. The investigation began back in October, and NHTSA is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to “address any illegal activity related to the import of these inflator devices.”
This situation highlights the serious risks of the globalized auto parts market, especially in the segment of restored vehicles. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of quality control for imported parts and the awareness of buyers, who often lack a complete understanding of a vehicle’s repair history. Preventing similar tragedies can only be achieved through enhanced interagency cooperation, stricter oversight of supply chains, and mandatory inspection of critical safety systems when purchasing a used vehicle that has undergone major repairs.
