In September 2025, The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. regulators are investigating multiple fatal crashes tied to counterfeit Chinese-made air bag components. These unsafe parts manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology (DTN Airbag) are suspected in at least five deaths. The story is a sobering reminder of how dangerous counterfeit products can be and why strong brand protection is essential.
Counterfeit Air Bags: A Deadly Threat
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is examining seven incidents where counterfeit air bags ruptured during collisions. In one tragic case, a 22-year-old Florida mother was killed when a fake air bag exploded according to court filings.
Unlike authentic air bag modules—which can cost upwards of $1,000—counterfeits can sell online for as little as $100. These imitations often appear nearly identical to genuine parts making them difficult for repair shops, consumers and even regulators to detect.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy underscored the risk: “Whoever is bringing this faulty Chinese equipment into the country and installing them is putting American families in danger and committing a serious crime.”
The Larger Counterfeit Auto Parts Problem
According to the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, air bags are among the most commonly counterfeited automotive parts. The council warns that fake parts are often made with substandard materials and lack the rigorous engineering that goes into genuine products.
Counterfeiters exploit online marketplaces including auction sites like eBay to sell parts directly to U.S. buyers. Because these fakes closely mimic genuine components, consumers may unknowingly install life-threatening products in their vehicles.
Brand Protection Implications
This crisis illustrates the life-and-death importance of safeguarding supply chains and protecting brand integrity:
- Consumer Trust: When counterfeit products infiltrate the market, consumer safety and confidence are undermined.
- Legal Liability: Automakers, repair shops and distributors risk exposure to lawsuits if counterfeit parts are installed.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Federal agencies are increasingly aggressive in investigating and prosecuting counterfeit-related cases.
Just as luxury brands must protect their designs from knockoffs, manufacturers in critical industries like automotive and healthcare face even greater urgency. Counterfeit parts are not just brand infringements, they can be fatal.
How Companies Can Respond
To mitigate risks, brands should:
- Implement strict supply chain monitoring and verification systems.
- Partner with law enforcement and industry coalitions to share intelligence on counterfeiters.
- Pursue aggressive civil enforcement against counterfeiters in online marketplaces and beyond.
- Educate consumers and repair professionals on identifying authentic products.
The counterfeit air bag crisis highlights why brand protection is more than an economic issue—it is a public safety imperative. As this case shows, counterfeit goods don’t just harm profits and reputations; they can cost lives.
This case shows how counterfeiting can jeopardize not only brands but also lives. Ference Law partners with companies to identify and remove counterfeit products, enforce their rights through federal litigation, and implement long-term brand-protection programs that keep customers safe and maintain product integrity.