Counterfeit Chinese air bags linked to multiple US deaths

Two recent deadly accidents involving Chinese-made air bag parts have renewed safety warnings, says the Wall Street Journal.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating seven incidents, including five deaths, linked to aftermarket air-bag inflators from China’s DTN Airbag. 

These inflators contain hazardous chemicals that ignite during crashes to inflate air bags, but can rupture violently if faulty.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called DTN’s inflators dangerous and urged the auto repair industry to avoid using them. He noted that installers put American families at risk and commit serious crimes. 

Counterfeit inflators, often bought online for as little as $100, can look identical to genuine devices costing over $1,000. Regulators warn drivers to seek manufacturer-certified replacements. 

Industry experts say fake air bags are increasingly common and prone to failure, posing deadly risks even in minor crashes.