Automotive
eBay bans airbag sales following counterfeit risks and regulatory scrutiny
The online marketplace will prohibit listings for airbags and inflators starting September 24, 2026, amid concerns over counterfeit components.
The short version
- eBay will prohibit the sale of airbags, airbag inflators, and steering wheel airbag covers starting September 24, 2026.
- The decision follows concerns over counterfeit airbags, a legal case involving a fatal crash, and an inquiry from federal safety regulators.
- Sales of related components such as crash sensors and control units will be restricted to pre-approved U.S. sellers.
Key facts
- eBay announced it will prohibit sales of airbags, airbag inflators, and steering wheel airbag covers effective September 24, 2026.[Jalopnik]
- Sellers must remove listings for the banned airbag items by the September 24 deadline or face removal by the platform.[Jalopnik]
- Sales of airbag control units, diagnostic modules, crash sensors, and passenger sensors in the U.S. will be restricted to currently pre-approved sellers.[Jalopnik]
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a Special Order seeking information from eBay regarding specific seller accounts, listing policies, and counterfeit airbags.[Jalopnik]
- A judge previously dismissed eBay from a lawsuit stemming from a fatal crash involving a counterfeit airbag, while manufacturer DTN was found liable for $603 million in damages.[Jalopnik]