what you need to know about the fake airbags showing up in used cars, Image CaitoImage: CaitoThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has linked at least 10 deaths and two severe injuries in the United States to defective replacement airbag inflators bearing the markings of a Chinese manufacturer, Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology-commonly known as DTN Airbag.Federal safety data reveals that instead of safely deploying to protect occupants during a collision, the faulty driver-side frontal inflators can violently explode. The rupture sends large metal shards and shrapnel tearing through the airbag fabric and directly into the passenger cabin. For its part, DTN has publicly claimed that the defective units discovered by regulators are likely counterfeit versions of its own product line illegally carrying the brand's name.AdvertisementAdvertisementBecause these hazardous components enter the country outside of traditional automaker supply chains, the exact number of impacted vehicles remains unknown. Driver-side inflators stamped with the identifier "DTN60DB" have primarily been discovered in crashed Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata models from the 2017 to 2022 model years, though regulators emphasize the risk could apply to any brand.Motorists should note four critical details to evaluate their risk and protect themselves from these hazardous components:only two pickup trucks survived 2026 iihs crash testing1. New Vehicles Are UnaffectedThese dangerous airbag components are never equipped on brand-new vehicles as factory original equipment. Instead, the hazard is strictly confined to used or salvaged cars that underwent structural repairs following a previous collision where the original airbags deployed.While a certified, factory-authentic replacement airbag assembly routinely costs $1,000 or more, unauthorized or independent collision repair shops often turn to unverified online marketplaces to source cheap, unvetted modules for as little as $100.2. Free Electronic Vehicle History ChecksTo verify if a vehicle is at risk, owners can utilize a free verification resource hosted on Carfax. By entering a vehicle's 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), owners can audit the vehicle's accident history. If a used car's history shows a severe crash or a salvage/rebuilt title since 2020 where an airbag deployment occurred, it runs a significantly higher risk of carrying a substandard replacement part.what you need to know about the fake airbags showing up in used cars, Photo by Robert Crum Shutterstock comPhoto by Robert Crum/Shutterstock.com3. Do Not Attempt a Physical Inspection YourselfUnder no circumstances should vehicle owners attempt to dismantle their steering wheel, remove the horn pad, or inspect the physical airbag module themselves. NHTSA explicitly warns that working directly on active airbag wiring can trigger an accidental, high-force deployment, which has resulted in occupant fatalities during home maintenance attempts. If a vehicle history report flags a past deployment, the car should be taken to a certified dealership or a reputable mechanic for a professional inspection.4. Import Bans Do Not Instantly Resolve the RiskNHTSA took the rare step of ordering an outright federal equipment ban on the sale and importation of all airbag inflators marked with the DTN part sequence. While the administrative ban legally cuts off legitimate commercial entry, it does not clear out the inventory of potentially lethal parts already installed in cars or actively floating through gray-market online retailers.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf a professional mechanic confirms that a vehicle contains a suspect DTN60DB inflator, federal regulators advise that the vehicle should not be driven until the assembly can be replaced with verified, genuine factory components. Owners who discover a suspect part can report the component to NHTSA via the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.