DETROIT — Stellantis is recalling nearly 318,000 Dodge and Chrysler sedans worldwide because the side air bag inflators can explode with too much force and hurl metal fragments at drivers and passengers.
The recall covers air bag inflators on both sides of certain Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 large cars from the 2018 through 2021 model years.
The automaker says in documents posted Friday by U.S. safety regulators that moisture may get into the inflators due to a manufacturing defect and cause corrosion and cracks. The air bags can inflate even without a crash due to high temperatures in the cabin, the company said. Stellantis has seven warranty claims and customer assistance reports but no reports of injuries, the documents said. Most of the recalled vehicles are in North America.
Dealers will replace both side air bag modules. Owners will be notified starting May 3. Stellantis said in a statement Friday that owners who are concerned about driving their cars should contact the company. It would not say if loaner vehicles would be offered.
Stellantis estimates that 1% of the inflators are defective.
The inflators are made by Joyson Safety Systems, a company that ended up acquiring Japanese air bag maker Takata after its bankruptcy. Takata used ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate front air bags in a crash. The chemical propellant can deteriorate over time when exposed to high temperatures and humidity. It can explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister and spewing shrapnel.
Stellantis said the recalled side air bags don’t use the same propellant or inflator design as previously recalled Takata air bags. In five cases investigated by the company, the air bags inflated while the vehicles were parked when the cabin temperature was above 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius).
At least 26 people have been killed in the U.S. by Takata inflators since May 2009, and at least 30 have died worldwide including people in Malaysia and Australia. In addition, about 400 people have been injured. The potential for a dangerous malfunction led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history. About 100 million Takata inflators were recalled worldwide.
Stellantis, the multinational automotive company formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, has issued a recall for approximately 285,000 cars due to a potential safety issue with the side air bags. The affected vehicles include certain models from brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.
The issue stems from a defect in the side air bag inflator, which could cause the air bag to explode upon deployment. This poses a serious risk of injury to occupants in the event of a crash, as the force of the explosion could cause shrapnel to be ejected into the vehicle cabin.
According to Stellantis, the recall affects certain vehicles manufactured between 2010 and 2019. The company is urging owners of the affected vehicles to contact their local dealership to schedule a free repair. The repair involves replacing the faulty side air bag inflator with a new one that meets safety standards.
Stellantis has stated that it is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to this issue, but is issuing the recall as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of its customers. The company is working closely with regulatory authorities to address the issue promptly and effectively.
Owners of the affected vehicles should receive a notification from Stellantis in the coming weeks informing them of the recall and providing instructions on how to schedule a repair. In the meantime, it is important for owners to be aware of the potential safety risk and take appropriate precautions while driving their vehicles.
If you believe your vehicle may be affected by this recall, you can visit the Stellantis website or contact your local dealership for more information. It is crucial to address this issue promptly to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers while on the road.
