Federal regulators are warning used-car owners and buyers about dangerous replacement airbag inflators and counterfeit airbags found in previously repaired vehicles. Some of these parts may be counterfeit or illegally imported into the United States. These substandard parts are sometimes installed after a car has been in an accident, had its airbags deploy, been declared a total loss, or passed through an auction. What makes the situation troubling is that counterfeit parts can be presented as genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components, leaving drivers unaware of what's actually protecting them.
If you drive a previously owned vehicle or are considering purchasing one, checking its accident and airbag replacement history is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers.
What Are Counterfeit Airbags?
A counterfeit airbag or inflator is a replacement component falsely represented as a genuine part. It may use unauthorized branding, packaging, or identifying marks that make its origin difficult to determine. Counterfeit and other substandard replacement parts may not meet the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications or applicable safety requirements. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these unsafe parts often look nearly identical to certified original equipment and may even bear the automaker's insignia, making them difficult to identify visually. NHTSA’s current warning focuses on used vehicles whose original airbags were replaced after a previous crash, airbag deployment, or theft. A factory-installed airbag would not be one of these aftermarket replacement parts. The problem arises when airbags are replaced after a collision, and improperly sourced parts enter the picture.
Why Counterfeit Airbags Are Dangerous
The danger comes down to unpredictable performance when you need protection most. Dangerous replacement inflators may fail to protect occupants properly or rupture during deployment. In documented crashes involving DTN60DB inflators, the inflators ruptured and sent metal fragments into the vehicle. In some documented cases, counterfeit airbags have expelled metal shrapnel during deployment, causing serious injury rather than preventing it. NHTSA has connected DTN60DB replacement inflators to deaths and severe injuries in crashes the agency says should have been survivable.
How Counterfeit Airbags End Up in Used Cars
A vehicle is involved in an accident, and its airbag deploys. The vehicle may then be totaled, repaired, rebuilt, or sold at auction. A deployed airbag no longer provides its intended protection and should be professionally replaced as part of the vehicle’s repair. If a counterfeit or improperly sourced replacement is used instead of a genuine OEM part, the vehicle carries a hidden risk and may later be sold to a driver who has no idea the airbags were ever replaced.
Counterfeit vs. Used Airbags
A used airbag and a counterfeit airbag are not automatically the same thing. A used airbag may have originally been manufactured as an OEM component, but that doesn't establish its current condition, history, compatibility, or suitability for reuse. The challenge is that determining a replacement part's origin and installation history can be genuinely difficult. For a safety system as important as an airbag, knowing exactly what was installed matters.
How to Check a Used Car's Airbag History
No simple consumer-facing test can prove an airbag is counterfeit without a professional inspection, but several practical steps can help you assess the risk before you buy.
Review the Vehicle History Report
A vehicle history report is your starting point. Look for previous accidents, airbag deployment, total-loss history, salvage or rebuilt titles, and any record of previous airbag repairs. A vehicle history report may show a reported crash, total-loss event, or airbag deployment. NHTSA identifies CARFAX as one third-party source for checking reported airbag deployment history, but a vehicle history report cannot determine whether a replacement inflator is genuine. It can point you toward vehicles that warrant a closer look.
Ask the Seller About Previous Airbag Replacement
Whether you're buying from a dealer or a private party, asking direct questions can reveal a lot:
- Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?
- Have the airbags ever deployed?
- Were any airbags replaced?
- Who performed the repair?
- Were OEM parts used?
- Are repair records available?
The seller’s answers and supporting repair records may help you evaluate the vehicle’s history. However, documentation should not replace an independent inspection when the vehicle has a reported airbag deployment or uncertain repair history.
Consider a Professional Inspection
If a vehicle has a previous accident or deployed airbags, a professional inspection is worth the investment. A qualified repair professional can evaluate whether the airbag system and replacement components appear appropriate. If an inspection finds a DTN60DB inflator, NHTSA says you should not drive the vehicle until you replace the inflator with genuine original equipment.
One important safety note: Do not attempt to inspect or remove an airbag yourself. NHTSA warns that tampering with the steering wheel or airbag can trigger a deployment that causes serious injury or death.
What to Do If a Used Car Had Deployed Airbags
If you discover that a used car had its airbags deploy in the past, don't panic. Previous airbag deployment doesn’t automatically mean a vehicle is unsafe. Many vehicles are repaired properly with genuine parts and go on to serve their owners well. The key is to verify the repair was done correctly: review the repair documentation, confirm what type of airbag replacement was performed, and verify whether OEM parts were used when possible. If records are missing or unclear, arrange an inspection before purchasing or driving the vehicle.
Airbag Replacement After an Accident
Proper airbag replacement matters enormously after a collision. Airbags work alongside your seatbelts, and their reliable performance depends on using appropriate parts installed by qualified repair facilities. Understanding your auto insurance coverage helps you know what to expect if you ever need repairs. If your vehicle goes through an airbag replacement, keep your repair records, especially if you plan to sell the vehicle later.
Safer Airbag Repairs Start With the Right Support
Protecting yourself from counterfeit airbags comes down to a handful of sensible practices. Check the vehicle's accident and airbag history before purchasing. Ask whether airbags have ever been deployed or replaced. Request documentation showing who performed the repairs and what parts were used. Get an inspection if the vehicle's history raises concerns. And after an accident, work with your insurer and qualified repair professionals to ensure your safety systems are properly restored.
Working with a reliable insurer makes a meaningful difference. For covered airbag replacements handled through the W Insurance claims process, W Insurance uses OEM airbags. Claims adjusters help guide members through vehicle repairs, and members can access W Insurance's preferred repair network. If you're ever involved in an accident, contacting W Insurance helps you understand your coverage and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbags
Can you use a car after airbags deploy?
Do not assume a vehicle is safe to drive after an airbag deploys. A qualified repair professional should inspect the vehicle, replace deployed airbags, and evaluate related safety systems before the vehicle returns to regular use. Arrange towing if the vehicle cannot be driven safely.
Can you legally drive a car with blown airbags?
Laws regarding driving with deployed or non-functioning airbags vary by state. Beyond the legal question, driving with blown airbags is a serious safety risk because you lose an important layer of crash protection. Regardless of local law, it's wise to have airbags properly replaced before driving.
How much does it cost to replace deployed airbags?
The cost to replace deployed airbags varies widely depending on the vehicle make and model, how many airbags deployed, and any related components that need attention. Genuine OEM airbag modules can be expensive. If an airbag deploys during a covered accident, applicable auto insurance coverage may help pay for covered vehicle repairs, subject to the policy’s terms, limits, deductible, exclusions, and endorsements. Contact your insurer to understand what your policy covers.
Advertisement: Don’t miss out on great rates and superior service. Click to get a quote.