Dodge, Chrysler Sedans Recalled for Possible Side Airbag Explosion
Stellantis recently issued another recall involving potentially defective airbags that could injure or kill vehicle occupants.
To be clear, this has nothing to do with out-of-business Japanese supplier Takata, whose airbag inflators have led to more than 100 million vehicles being recalled globally, including the 2005-2010 Dodge Charger, Magnum and Challenger, as well as the Chrysler 300.
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This time, the recall affects the 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, with a total of more than 316,000 units in North America and other markets including 10,285 in Canada.
The problem is very similar to that of Takata, mind you. The aforementioned cars may have been equipped with side curtain airbag inflators that had moisture introduced during supplier manufacturing, leading to stress corrosion and potentially a rupture. Should this occur, inflator debris may be discharged inside the vehicle and cause injury.
It’s worth noting that Stellantis is unaware of any related injuries or accidents so far. Of the five incidents investigated, all occurred when the vehicle’s interior temperature exceeded 49 degrees Celsius. The defect is estimated to exist in less than one percent of the recall population.
Affected owners will be notified by the summer. When the replacement parts are available, they will need to schedule an appointment with a dealer to have the repair done at no cost.
For used-car shoppers or anyone who is unsure if their vehicle has been repaired, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s website by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
