Initial Decision That Certain Frontal Driver Air Bag Inflators Manufactured by Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology Co., Ltd. (DTN) Contain a Safety Defect

Résumé

NHTSA has made an initial decision that certain air bag inflators manufactured by DTN contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety. Available information demonstrates that the inflators were imported into the United States by unknown importers (likely illegally). NHTSA is aware of twelve instances in which the inflators have ruptured in vehicles in the United States, resulting in ten fatalities and two severe injuries. Following this initial decision, NHTSA is required by statute to seek public comment and allow the manufacturer an opportunity to dispute the initial decision. After review of any comments or additional relevant information, should NHTSA makes a final determination that the subject inflators contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety, the sale of the inflators (whether separately or installed in an air bag module) in the United States would be illegal.