The faulty air bags sent large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, and faces.
The United States is urgently warning American car owners about faulty Chinese airbags that have now killed several drivers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the substandard replacement airbag inflators were likely illegally imported. The agency is aware of 10 crashes resulting in two drivers suffering severe injuries and eight being killed in otherwise survivable crashes, according to a Tuesday press release.
After previous crashes, all 10 of the drivers had their airbags replaced with ones made in China by Jilin Province Detiannuo Automobile Safety System Co. Ltd., also known as DTN.
All the known crashes have involved Chevrolet Malibus and Hyundai Sonatas, but officials are not able to confirm whether the serious, deadly risks are limited only to these vehicle makes and models. The news release said these inflator malfunctions project large metal fragments into drivers’ chests, necks, and faces.
The Chinese manufacturer says on its website that its airbags are prohibited from being sold in the United States.
“We do not do business with the United States, and any of our products are prohibited from being sold to the United States,” the company’s homepage reads.
Yet, 10 drivers in America have been killed or seriously hurt by the Chinese products.
“Whoever is bringing them into the country and installing them is putting American families in danger,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration news release said. “NHTSA urges used vehicle owners and buyers to learn their vehicle’s history and ensure the vehicle has genuine air bag inflators.”
If a vehicle was involved in a previous crash where the airbag deployed, the highway safety agency is urging U.S. drivers to immediately inspect the safety feature to ensure there is a legitimate replacement similar to the original one.
If a car is found with one of the Chinese airbag inflators, the vehicle should not be driven until it’s replaced, according to the news release.
By Troy Myers
