eBay announced it will no longer allow the sale of standalone airbags, airbag inflators or gas generators, and steering wheel airbag covers on its marketplace, with the ban taking effect on September 24. This decision follows a "comprehensive review of the risks these products may pose to eBay users" and sellers have been given 30 days to remove affected listings. Previously, eBay had limited airbag sales to a small group of approved automotive recyclers with various restrictions, which had been tightening since 2020, requiring certifications and VINs, but these measures proved insufficient to prevent dangerous products from being sold.
The ban comes after a NHTSA investigation into replacement airbag inflators marked "DTN60DB," which were found to rupture during deployment, causing metal debris to strike vehicle occupants. NHTSA's April decision cited twelve ruptures, resulting in ten deaths and two severe injuries, with an additional severe injury reported in June, bringing the total to 13 crashes, ten deaths, and three severe injuries. These inflators are linked to Chinese manufacturer Jilin Province Detiannuo Safety Technology, though the company claims they may be counterfeits.
One notable case involved 22-year-old Destiny Byassee, who died in June 2023 when a replacement airbag purchased on eBay ruptured in her 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. Her estate sued those involved, including eBay, and a Broward County jury awarded Byassee's family $603 million in June 2026, comprising $243 million in compensatory damages and $360 million in punitive damages from DTN. NHTSA had also issued a Special Order to eBay in January 2026, requesting information on sellers and buyers of substandard DTN inflators.
The problem of counterfeit airbags is widespread, with NHTSA estimating approximately 10,000 specific counterfeit inflators still in U.S. vehicles. Counterfeit airbags can sell for as little as $100 on platforms like eBay, significantly less than the typical OEM cost of over $1,000 for parts like a GM-manufactured Malibu replacement airbag. Despite eBay's previous efforts to manage sales through approved recyclers and strict rules, the ongoing risks and fatalities prompted the complete ban. The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) acknowledged eBay's decision, emphasizing that lawful over-the-counter airbag sales by recyclers will continue.
This move by eBay highlights the challenges of regulating aftermarket auto parts on online marketplaces and the potential for severe consequences when safety-critical components are compromised. The investigation revealed that many of these dangerous replacement airbags were installed in vehicles that had previously been in accidents where original airbags deployed, then sold to unsuspecting buyers. Consumers are advised to check vehicle histories and have their cars inspected if airbags were previously deployed, to ensure legitimate replacements were used.
