Initial Decision That Certain Frontal Driver Air Bag Inflators Manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology Co., Ltd. (DTN) Contain a Safety Defect
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
NHTSA has issued an initial decision that certain frontal driver airbag inflators made by Chinese manufacturer DTN in 2021 and 2022 contain a safety defect. These inflators, marked with "DTN60DB" and specific barcode sequences, have ruptured in 12 crashes in the United States, causing 10 deaths and 2 severe injuries from ejected metal shrapnel. Most incidents occurred in Chevrolet Malibu and Hyundai Sonata vehicles where the inflators were installed as illegal aftermarket replacements following prior airbag deployments. The inflators were likely imported illegally into the US. If the decision becomes final after public comment, sale or importation of these inflators or modules containing them will be prohibited.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- NHTSA initial decision that DTN60DB inflators manufactured in 2021-2022 contain a safety defect
- 12 documented ruptures resulting in 10 fatalities and 2 severe injuries as of February 2026
- Public comments due no later than April 17, 2026
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit written comments on the initial decision by April 17, 2026 through Federal eRulemaking Portal, mail, hand delivery, courier, or fax to Docket Management Facility
Cease sale of DTN60DB frontal driver airbag inflators (manufactured 2021-2022) and modules containing them in the United States upon final determination
Cease importation of DTN60DB frontal driver airbag inflators (manufactured 2021-2022) and modules containing them into the United States upon final determination
Include agency name (NHTSA) and docket number (NHTSA-2026-0793) in all written submissions to the docket
Submit confidential business information requests directly to NHTSA's Office of the Chief Counsel in accordance with 49 CFR part 512