Regulators have warned that counterfeit air‑bag parts from an unnamed Chinese company have caused at least 10 deaths in the U.S. since 2023. The warning follows a fatal crash in Texas where Eui Seok Kang lost control of his Chevrolet Malibu. The airbags deployed, tearing apart his jaw and forcing three surgeries.

Investigators traced the culprit to an aftermarket air‑bag purchased on eBay and installed by a Texas dealership that sold the used car. Metal shards from the defective component struck Kang’s face, leaving him with extensive facial trauma. A similar incident in Louisville, Kentucky, left a driver severely injured in June.

Federal safety officials released a report linking the counterfeit component to the deaths and injuries. The findings raise alarm for the used‑car market, where aftermarket parts are common. Dealers face potential liability, recalls, and tightening oversight that could increase operating costs.

The scandal threatens consumer confidence in used vehicles and may prompt stricter certification for aftermarket safety components. Insurance premiums could rise, and manufacturers like General Motors may need to audit dealer supply chains. Investors should monitor regulatory filings and any emerging compliance mandates.