Stellantis issues “do not drive” warning for 225,000 vehicles with unrepaired Takata air bags

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Stellantis Issues “Do Not Drive” Alert for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram Vehicles

Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, has issued a urgent warning to owners of certain vehicles to not drive them until defective airbags are replaced. The automaker has identified approximately 225,000 vehicles in the U.S. that are equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags, which pose a serious safety risk.

According to a notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the chemical propellant inside the Takata airbag inflators can degrade over time, especially in hot and humid conditions. This degradation increases the risk of the airbag rupturing upon deployment, potentially causing metal fragments to enter the vehicle cabin, leading to severe injuries or even death.

The affected vehicles include models from Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep, spanning various years from 2003 to 2016. Some of the models listed in the recall are the Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota, Magnum, Charger, Challenger, Chrysler Aspen, 300, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Raider. Owners of these vehicles are urged to refrain from driving them until the defective airbags are replaced.

NHTSA has emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that even minor accidents can trigger the faulty Takata airbags, resulting in catastrophic consequences. The safety agency has provided a link (NHTSA.gov/Recalls) where vehicle owners can check if their car is part of the recall.

Stellantis, headquartered in the Netherlands, is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of its customers and the general public. The company is working diligently to expedite the repair process for the affected vehicles and prevent any further incidents related to the defective airbags.

This recall is part of a larger effort by NHTSA to address the widespread issue of Takata airbag inflators. With 67 million defective airbags already recalled, NHTSA has described this as the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history. Tragically, at least 28 fatalities and 400 injuries have been linked to exploding Takata airbags, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue promptly.

In conclusion, vehicle owners are strongly advised to heed the “do not drive” alert issued by Stellantis and take immediate action to have their defective airbags replaced. Prioritizing safety is paramount, and avoiding the risks associated with the faulty Takata airbags can save lives and prevent devastating injuries.