Utah Teen's Death Sparks Lawsuit Over Counterfeit Airbag Inflator

Wrongful death lawsuit alleges defective Chinese replacement part killed 17-year-old in minor crash

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against a used car dealer in Utah after a 17-year-old girl was killed in a minor crash when a defective Chinese-made airbag inflator exploded, sending shrapnel into her face and neck. The lawsuit alleges the dealer, Auto Savvy, installed the counterfeit part on the teen's 2019 Hyundai Sonata before selling it to her family as a birthday present.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of counterfeit auto parts, especially when it comes to critical safety equipment like airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has warned that thousands of these faulty Chinese-made airbag inflators may be on the roads, putting used car buyers at risk. It also raises questions about used car sales practices and the need for greater transparency around repair histories.

The details

On July 30, 2025, 17-year-old Alexia De La Rosa was involved in a minor crash in West Valley City, Utah. However, when the driver's side airbag deployed, the defective inflator exploded like a "grenade," sending shrapnel flying into De La Rosa's face and neck. She was killed in what her family's attorneys say should have been a survivable crash. The lawsuit alleges that Auto Savvy, a national used car dealer with three locations in Utah, had repaired the teen's 2019 Hyundai Sonata with the cheaper, counterfeit airbag inflators before selling it to her family.

  • On July 30, 2025, Alexia De La Rosa was involved in a minor crash in West Valley City, Utah.
  • In January 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned used car buyers about dangerous Chinese replacement airbag inflators that may have been illegally imported into the U.S.

The players

Alexia De La Rosa

A 17-year-old Utah resident who was killed in a minor crash when a defective airbag inflator exploded.

Auto Savvy

A national used car dealer with three locations in Utah that is accused of installing counterfeit Chinese airbag inflators in the vehicle sold to Alexia De La Rosa's family.

Andrew Parker Felix

The lead attorney representing Alexia De La Rosa's family in the wrongful death lawsuit against Auto Savvy.

Tessie De La Rosa

Alexia De La Rosa's mother, who purchased the 2019 Hyundai Sonata as a birthday present for her daughter.

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What they’re saying

“Tessie was told that this car was just as good as new — she was never told that it was repaired with defective, illegal Chinese airbag inflators.”

— Andrew Parker Felix, Lead attorney (FOX 13)

“You essentially get an explosion of jagged metal that is shot at your face and neck at hundreds of miles an hour. I mean, it is really the stuff of nightmares.”

— Andrew Parker Felix, Lead attorney (FOX 13)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the lawsuit against Auto Savvy to proceed.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for greater transparency and oversight in the used car market, particularly when it comes to the safety and provenance of critical components like airbag inflators. It serves as a stark warning to used car buyers to thoroughly research a vehicle's history and ensure it has genuine, not counterfeit, safety parts installed.