Warning: Two more deaths from defective air bags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is warning used-vehicle owners and buyers after two drivers were killed in December in crashes involving defective Chinese replacement air bag inflators that were likely imported illegally.

The agency says it is aware of 10 crashes in the United States that resulted in death or serious injury from ruptured replacement inflators made in China by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd., also known as DTN.

Eight drivers were killed in otherwise survivable crashes, and two others suffered severe injuries. In each case, the vehicle’s original air bags had been replaced after a prior crash.

Known crashes involved Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata vehicles, most with salvage or rebuilt titles. However, NHTSA said it does not have information confirming the risk is limited to those makes or models.

In the crashes, the substandard inflators malfunctioned, sending metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, faces and eyes.

NHTSA has opened an investigation into the DTN inflators and has alerted the auto repair industry to watch for them and report any findings. DTN has acknowledged on its website that the inflators are prohibited from sale in the United States.

NHTSA urged used-vehicle owners and buyers to learn a vehicle’s history and ensure it has legitimate air bag replacements.

Vehicles that have been in a crash with air bag deployment should be inspected immediately, especially those with salvage or rebuilt titles. Vehicles found to have DTN inflators should not be driven until the parts are replaced with approved components.

Owners who suspect their vehicle contains one of the inflators are encouraged to contact federal authorities or submit a complaint through the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center. They may also contact NHTSA online or call the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

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