Car accidents are already scary and dangerous, even when all the safety systems work as they should. But for an unknown number of drivers in the U.S., that might not be the case. The NHTSA is currently investigating seven incidents where airbags failed to deploy during crashes — failures that resulted in five deaths.
Officials believe these failures may be linked to counterfeit parts sold by a Chinese company, raising serious concerns about safety and the authenticity of replacement equipment in American vehicles.
Faulty Airbag Inflators From A Chinese Company May Have Led To Deaths
According to The Wall Street Journal, the parts in question come from a Chinese company called Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology, which operates under the brand name DTN Airbag. The company manufactures airbag inflators that allegedly caused airbags to malfunction — failing to deploy properly or even rupturing — in crashes that led to fatalities. At this point, it’s unclear how many vehicles in the U.S. are equipped with these potentially dangerous components.
The WSJ also shared details from a lawsuit involving one of the victims, 22-year-old Destiny Byassee, a mother of two who was driving a Chevrolet Malibu in Florida. The court document described the airbag as “exploding like a grenade” after a collision at just 30 mph.
In response to the accusations, DTN Airbag issued a statement on its website, saying:
How The Faulty Airbags Are Getting Into American Vehicles
Automakers aren’t installing these faulty airbag inflators in new vehicles — the problem lies with some repair shops trying to save money. These shops reportedly order counterfeit parts online from China and have them shipped over. The fake inflators often look identical to genuine OEM parts, making them difficult to spot. According to The Wall Street Journal, these knockoff components can cost around $100, while authentic replacements can run over $1,000.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a strong warning to the auto repair industry, saying that shops using counterfeit inflators are putting lives at risk and could face serious legal consequences.
“My message to the auto repair industry is clear: whoever is bringing this faulty Chinese equipment into the country and installing it is putting American families in danger — and committing a serious crime,” Duffy said.
What Car Buyers Can Do About Faulty Airbags
The NHTSA first issued a consumer warning about these dangerous airbag incidents back in July 2024. In its report, the agency shared several important tips for used car buyers and current vehicle owners to help them stay safe:
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Check the vehicle’s history report. Look for any records showing the airbags have previously deployed, and have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchasing.
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Use reputable service providers. Only work with well-reviewed mechanics or authorized manufacturer dealerships.
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Ask about parts sourcing. When having your vehicle serviced, specifically inquire about the brand and origin of any replacement parts.
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Be cautious with overseas purchases. If buying auto parts from foreign retailers, proceed carefully — and treat deals that seem “too good to be true” as major red flags.
FAQ’s
Are airbags required in China?
Airbags are not legally required by law in China, but almost all modern vehicles sold there come equipped with them as standard safety features. While regulations don’t make them mandatory, carmakers include airbags to meet safety expectations and global market standards.
What is the problem with airbags?
The main problem with airbags is that they can cause injuries if you’re too close to them when they deploy. They inflate extremely fast — in milliseconds — which can sometimes result in burns, bruises, or broken bones. Defective airbags can also fail to deploy or explode with too much force, which is why recalls sometimes happen.
How do airbags make us safer in car crashes?
Airbags are designed to cushion and protect you during a crash. When a collision happens, they inflate instantly to reduce the impact on your head, chest, and upper body. This helps prevent serious injuries by slowing your body down more gently and keeping you from hitting hard surfaces inside the car.
Who invented airbags?
The idea for airbags was first developed by **John W. Hetrick**, an American engineer, in the early 1950s. He received a patent for his design in 1953. Later, German engineer **Walter Linderer** worked on a similar concept, and carmakers eventually refined these early ideas into the airbags we use today.
How many airbags are mandatory in the USA?
In the United States, **two front airbags** — one for the driver and one for the front passenger — are required by law in all new passenger vehicles. Most cars, however, come with many more, including side, curtain, and knee airbags for extra protection.
What countries require airbags in cars?
Many countries, including the **United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and most of Europe**, require front airbags in all new vehicles. Other regions, like China and some parts of South America, don’t have strict airbag laws but still include them as standard for safety.
What is the lifespan of a car airbag?
Most airbags are designed to last the lifetime of your car. Older vehicles used to have a recommended replacement period of around **10–15 years**, but modern airbags typically don’t require replacement unless they’ve been deployed or recalled.
What is the cost to replace airbags?
Replacing airbags can be expensive. A single airbag might cost anywhere from **$1,000 to $2,500**, including parts and labor. If multiple airbags deploy in a crash, the total cost can climb above **$5,000**, which sometimes leads insurance companies to declare the car a total loss.
What does SRS mean on a car?
**SRS** stands for **Supplemental Restraint System**. It refers to the airbag system in your car, which is designed to work alongside seat belts — not replace them — to provide extra protection during a crash.
What does TCS mean in a car?
**TCS** stands for **Traction Control System**. It helps prevent your wheels from spinning when you accelerate on slippery roads by automatically adjusting engine power or applying brakes to specific wheels. This improves grip and keeps the car stable.
What does “SRS” mean in text?
In texting or online chats, **SRS** is short for **“serious.”** People often use it to emphasize that they’re being genuine or not joking, like saying “SRS question” instead of “serious question.”
How much does it cost to fix an SRS airbag?
The cost to repair or reset an SRS airbag system depends on the issue. Minor repairs, like replacing a sensor or resetting the system, might cost **$300–$600**. If airbags need to be replaced after deployment, the cost can easily exceed **$1,000 per airbag**.
Is it better to not have airbags?
No — airbags are one of the most effective safety features in modern vehicles. Cars without airbags have a much higher risk of serious injury or death in a crash. Even though they can sometimes cause minor injuries, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
What cars are recalled for faulty airbags?
Millions of vehicles from brands like **Honda, Toyota, BMW, Ford, Nissan, and others** have been recalled over defective airbags, most notably the **Takata airbag recall**. These faulty airbags could explode on deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. If you’re unsure, you can check your car’s VIN on your country’s official recall website.
At what speed do airbags deploy in a front-end collision?
Airbags typically deploy in a front-end crash at speeds above **10–16 mph (16–26 km/h)** if the collision is severe enough. The system uses sensors to detect the force of impact and decides in milliseconds whether to activate the airbags.
At what speed do airbags deploy km?
In kilometers, airbags usually deploy when the crash speed is around **16–26 km/h** or higher during a frontal impact. However, deployment depends on the severity and angle of the collision, not just the speed.
What should you check weekly on your car?
It’s a good idea to check the **tire pressure, oil level, coolant, and windshield washer fluid** once a week. You should also look for any warning lights on the dashboard and make sure your lights, wipers, and brakes are working properly.
How many deaths do airbags prevent?
Airbags save thousands of lives every year. In the United States alone, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that airbags have prevented over **50,000 deaths** since they became standard equipment.
Is a car a total loss if airbags deploy?
Not always, but often. Because airbag replacement is expensive, insurance companies may declare a car a **total loss** if the cost of repairs — including airbags — is close to or higher than the vehicle’s value. However, minor airbag deployments don’t always mean the car is totaled.
How long do airbags last?
Modern airbags are designed to last as long as your vehicle does. You usually don’t need to replace them unless they’ve deployed or there’s a recall. Older cars from the 1990s might have airbags that require inspection or replacement after about **10–15 years**.
Do airbags deploy when hit from the side?
Yes, most modern cars have **side-impact airbags** that deploy if a side collision is severe enough. They’re designed to protect your chest, head, and pelvis from hitting doors, windows, or other parts of the car during a side impact.