FCA US, NHTSA issue urgent “do not drive” alert for 225,000 vehicles equipped with faulty Takata air bags

Federal safety officials and FCA US released an urgent “do not drive” notice Wednesday affecting roughly 225,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles nationwide. The warning targets cars and trucks with unresolved Takata air bag recalls — components linked to serious injuries and fatalities.

Drivers of the affected vehicles are being told to park them immediately until repairs are completed. These air bags can rupture during even low-speed crashes, launching metal fragments into the passenger cabin. According to NHTSA, exploding inflators have been tied to 28 deaths and at least 400 injuries across the United States.

Vehicles Included in the Warning

The advisory applies to the following models that still have open Takata recalls:

• 2003–2010 Dodge Ram

• 2004–2009 Dodge Durango

• 2005–2011 Dodge Dakota

• 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum

• 2006–2015 Dodge Charger

• 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen

• 2008–2014 Dodge Challenger

• 2005–2015 Chrysler 300

• 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler

• 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider

Risk Increases as Vehicles Age

Safety specialists say older vehicles face the greatest danger. The chemical propellant used in Takata inflators can break down over time, especially in hot or humid climates. As that degradation worsens, the chance of a violent air bag rupture rises sharply.

FCA US reported that more than 6.6 million inflators in its vehicles have already been replaced. However, officials stress that the remaining 225,000 unrepaired cars still represent a serious threat to drivers and passengers.

What Owners Should Do Now

Repairs are provided free of charge at authorized dealerships.

• Check your VIN: Visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN or license plate to see if your vehicle is affected.

• Contact FCA: Call customer support at 833-585-0144 to schedule service or ask questions.

• Download SaferCar: NHTSA’s SaferCar app can automatically alert you to safety recalls.

NHTSA urges drivers not to ignore this warning. Even if you haven’t recently received a recall notice, officials recommend checking the database right away to confirm your vehicle is safe to drive.