Counterfeit Airbag Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

What’s the Problem?

Federal regulators have issued urgent warnings about counterfeit airbags manufactured by the China-based company Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology (DTN Airbag).

These counterfeit inflators have been linked to at least seven incidents, including five deaths, where the devices exploded like grenades during collisions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that these inflators pose a deadly risk and is coordinating with federal agencies to block their importation and distribution.

Although we are not aware of any lawsuits being filed directly against DTN in U.S. courts, we are actively investigating potential claims involving fatal injuries, lacerations, and wrongful deaths caused by these counterfeit airbags.

Latest Counterfeit Airbag Updates

• July 2024 – NHTSA issues a consumer alert describing DTN’s counterfeit inflators as “cheap, substandard” replacements that could cause otherwise survivable crashes to become fatal [1]
• July 2024 – The family of Destiny Byassee files a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida after a counterfeit airbag exploded during a low-speed collision, causing fatal injuries [2]
• 2025 – NHTSA expands its investigation to at least seven incidents involving DTN inflators, including five confirmed deaths [3]
• 2025 – Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly warns the auto repair industry that importing and installing counterfeit airbags is a criminal act putting American families at risk [4]

Counterfeit Airbag Statistics

• Estimated incidents investigated – At least 7 crashes tied to DTN counterfeit inflators
• Reported fatalities – 5 deaths
• Reported injuries – Multiple cases of severe lacerations and trauma from shrapnel
• Cost difference – Authentic airbag module: $1,000+; counterfeit inflator: ~$100
• Scope – Unknown number of counterfeit inflators imported and installed across the U.S.

FDA and NHTSA Reports

While the FDA monitors medical devices, the NHTSA oversees motor vehicle equipment. In July 2024, NHTSA identified counterfeit inflators tied to catastrophic failures, calling them “substandard” and “life-threatening.” The agency continues to monitor online marketplaces such as eBay, where these components have been sold and shipped directly to repair shops and consumers.

Counterfeit Airbag Injuries & Side Effects

Counterfeit airbags pose severe risks including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. Reported dangers include:

• Lacerations – Shrapnel from ruptured inflators slicing through the neck, face, and torso
• Blunt force trauma – Explosive deployment causing concussive or crushing injuries
• Fatalities – At least five deaths in confirmed incidents tied to DTN airbags

Do You Qualify for a Counterfeit Airbag Recall Lawsuit?

• You were injured in a crash where a counterfeit airbag was installed
• You lost a family member due to an airbag that exploded or failed during deployment
• Your vehicle was repaired with aftermarket airbag components purchased online or from uncertified repair shops
• You can provide documentation linking the defective part to DTN or other counterfeit suppliers

Evidence Required

• Crash reports and law enforcement documentation
• Medical records describing injuries caused by airbag rupture
• Proof of counterfeit installation, such as receipts or sourcing through online sellers
• Expert inspection reports confirming counterfeit inflator use

Damages You Can Recover

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Property damage and vehicle replacement
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or fraud

Counterfeit Airbag Recall Information

• Manufacturer – Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology (DTN Airbag)
• Products – Aftermarket airbag inflators sold online and through uncertified shops
• Hazard – Explosive deployment causing shrapnel injuries and fatalities
• Distribution – Imported through auction sites and mail order; often misrepresented as genuine

Statute of Limitations

The deadline for filing product liability or wrongful death claims varies by state, generally between one and four years from the date of injury or death. Because counterfeit airbags may only be discovered after a crash, courts may allow exceptions under the “discovery rule,” but immediate legal consultation is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I tell if my airbag is counterfeit? – Counterfeits may look identical to genuine parts; only certified inspections can confirm.
• What vehicles are affected? – Counterfeits have been found in multiple makes and models where aftermarket airbags were installed.
• Can I still sue if my car repair shop unknowingly installed the airbag? – Yes, liability may extend to distributors and manufacturers of counterfeit parts.
• What should I do if I suspect a counterfeit airbag in my car? – Have your vehicle inspected by a manufacturer-authorized service center immediately.
• Is this like the Takata recall? – Similar in danger but distinct; these are counterfeit parts not produced by Takata.
• How many deaths have been reported? – At least five fatalities linked to DTN airbags have been confirmed by NHTSA.
• Does insurance cover counterfeit airbag injuries? – It depends on the policy, but legal action may provide broader compensation.
• What damages can families recover? – Wrongful death lawsuits may include funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.

References

1. https://www.nhtsa.gov
2. https://www.wsj.com
3. https://www.nhtsa.gov
4. https://www.cpsc.gov