Stellantis: Takata airbags deaths prompt recall of 276,000 older Dodge models

Stellantis N.V. and the U.S. National Traffic Safety Administration have issued a warning to owners of older models of Dodge cars due to risks of injuries and even death. Around 276,000 units are being recalled because of the Takata airbags that may explode.

This new Stellantis recall was issued after receiving reports of three deaths due to the airbags. All cases involved the explosion of the said vehicle bag designed to inflate fast during a collision to protect drivers.

Aside from the deaths, there are many more reports of exploding airbags thus, the government and the Netherlands-headquartered automaker warned the drivers of the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300 sedans, and Dodge Charger muscle cars. These model units have model years from 2005 to 2010.

Stellantis N.V. said it confirmed that the airbag inflators of the vehicles that killed two drivers in separate cases have blown apart and resulted in the unfortunate incident. In the third case, the automaker suspects the inflator suddenly bursts.

As per Associated Press News, the company noted that all three death incidents happened in the U.S. states where the weather is warm. The accidents also occurred in the last seven months in the Dodge vehicles with the 2010 model year. The casualties were added to the death toll caused by the exploding Takata airbags worldwide, and the number has not increased to 32, with 23 cases recorded in the U.S.

Takata airbags typically have ammonium nitrate to produce a small explosion for the airbags to immediately inflate in an event of a crash. However, this chemical can become more inflammable over time when frequently exposed to high temperatures and moisture in the air. If it explodes, the metal canister will break and hurl shrapnel into the passenger seat.

“Left unrepaired, recalled Takata airbags are increasingly dangerous as the risk of an explosion rises as vehicles age,” Ann Carlson, NHTSA’s acting administrator, said in a press release under the “Do Not Drive” warning notice. “Every day that passes when you do not get a recalled airbag replaced puts you and your family at greater risk of injury or death as the exploding Takata airbag can send metal fragments toward the driver or passengers, and this shrapnel can kill – and has – killed or maimed people.”

Stellantis told customers to call its helpline for the recall at (833) 585-0144 to get more information. They may also arrange for their vehicles to be towed to the authorized dealer outlets for the necessary fix.

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