NHTSA issues urgent warning after illegal air bag inflators cause eight deaths
NHTSA issued a warning on dangerous Chinese replacement air bag inflators linked to eight deaths. These illegal parts were installed in used U.S. vehicles.
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USNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued an urgent warning on January 13, 2026, regarding dangerous replacement air bag inflators that have been linked to eight deaths and two serious injuries. These components, manufactured in China 
CNby Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd., known as DTN, were illegally imported into the United Statesand installed in used vehicles. The agency reported that 10 documented crashes have involved these faulty parts, which malfunction by sending large metal fragments into the chests, necks, eyes, and faces of drivers during deployment.
USNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued an urgent warning on January 13, 2026, regarding dangerous replacement air bag inflators that have been linked to eight deaths and two serious injuries. These components, manufactured in China CNby Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd., known as DTN, were illegally imported into the United Statesand installed in used vehicles. The agency reported that 10 documented crashes have involved these faulty parts, which malfunction by sending large metal fragments into the chests, necks, eyes, and faces of drivers during deployment.The warning follows the occurrence of two additional fatal crashes in December 2025, which brought the total death toll to eight individuals in otherwise survivable accidents. The federal investigation into DTN replacement inflators began in October 2024 after six deaths were initially reported. Since then, the problem has expanded, prompting the agency to work closely with law enforcement to address illegal importation activities. NHTSAAdministrator Jonathan Morrison jonathan morrisonstated that the agency is currently focused on addressing the immediate public safety threat with both the automotive industry and consumers.
