Texas driver's survivable crash turns deadly after banned Chinese airbag inflator rupturesThe Cool DownDaniel JohnTue, September 15, 2026 at 4:01 AM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: YouTubeA crash in the Dallas area ended in tragedy when a banned aftermarket airbag inflator ruptured inside a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, according to CarBuzz. The malfunctioning part transformed an otherwise survivable incident into a fatal one, investigators said.The case serves as a chilling reminder that unsafe replacement parts can turn a device meant to save lives into a deadly hazard.Here's what to knowInvestigators traced the failed component to China-based Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Company, or DTN, CarBuzz reported.AdvertisementAdvertisementThough the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has already banned the inflator's import and sale, many vehicles on the road today likely still contain the potentially deadly part.The Dallas-area accident appears to be the first death linked to the defective inflator since the ban was put in place, according to CarBuzz.In total, authorities have connected 11 deaths to the aftermarket inflator. In each documented case, the inflator was a replacement part rather than original factory equipment. It is likely that the parts were installed after an airbag theft or an earlier crash that set off the airbags.Across all 11 known fatal incidents, the inflators split apart when they deployed, sending metal debris into the cabin.AdvertisementAdvertisementNHTSA has alleged that DTN failed to manufacture the inflators to required standards, per CarBuzz.More backgroundThe defective inflators bear a strong resemblance to a previous crisis involving Takata airbags. In that case, defective inflators also detonated, sending dangerous shrapnel flying through vehicles' passenger cabins.Defective Takata airbags ultimately were ultimately tied to at least 35 deaths and 400 injuries in the United States, resulting in the biggest recall in automotive history, according to CarBuzz. In all, more than 67 million vehicles spanning 12 manufacturers were subject to recall.NHTSA said that fragments from exploding inflators tore through airbags and flew "into drivers' chests, necks, and faces."AdvertisementAdvertisementIn 2024, the United States Customs and Border Protection confiscated at least 490 counterfeit airbag inflators, 10 times the number seized in 2023, per CarBuzz.What can be done?NHTSA advises used-car buyers to get a vehicle inspected before purchasing it in order to verify that the original airbag system remains in place. This is particularly important when a history report lists a crash or other damage.Drivers concerned that their vehicle may be subject to the Takata recall can also check active repair campaigns through NHTSA using a license plate number.Where can I learn more?From vehicle modifications that can make roads less safe to the growing push for companies and policymakers to rein in misleading practices, the following articles touch on auto industry oversight from multiple angles.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Across U.S. roads, raised trucks and blinding lights are intensifying nighttime glare for drivers.• In the U.S. and EU, officials are eyeing stricter greenwashing crackdowns on corporate claims.• At Inditex, operational changes amid shipping delays have fueled backlash over rising emissions.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.