U.S. safety officials warn that low‑quality Chinese airbags in salvaged used cars can be deadly – check your vehicle today!
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed two additional deaths linked to defective air‑bag inflators made in China, raising the total death toll to eight.
What Happened?
The faulty parts were produced by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System. Imported illegally, they are often installed as a cheap fix for vehicles that have previously been in accidents.
Who Is Affected?
Investigations have identified at least ten air‑bag detonations, primarily in Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata models. The common thread? Most of these cars carry a “salvage” or “rebuilt” title – meaning they were written off after a crash and later repaired.
How the Defects Work
Instead of protecting occupants, the defective inflators burst with excessive force, hurling sharp metal fragments into the chest, neck and face of the driver or passenger. Safety experts liken them to a “land‑mine” sitting in the dashboard, turning a survivable crash into a fatal tragedy.
Government Response
Given the severity of the issue, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have joined the effort. The U.S. government is urging repair shops and vehicle owners to report any Detiannuo components immediately. A spokesperson warned, “Anyone who brings these parts into the United States and installs them endangers American families.”
A broad investigation launched in October of last year aims to dismantle the import and distribution network for these counterfeit airbags.
What Owners Should Do
If you own an older vehicle – especially one sourced from a junkyard, auction, or rebuilt after an accident – have the air‑bag system inspected right away. Should a Detiannuo inflator be found, do NOT drive the car until the part is replaced with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) unit.
Stay vigilant, report suspicious parts, and keep your vehicle’s safety systems up to standard.