Stellantis has issued a new “do not drive” directive for roughly 225,000 older Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbag inflators. The automaker is urging owners to stop driving the vehicles until recall repairs are completed.
The Takata defect poses a serious hazard because the chemical propellant inside the airbag inflator can deteriorate over time, especially in warm or humid conditions. When this happens, the inflator may rupture when the airbag is deployed, sending sharp metal fragments into the cabin and increasing the risk of injury or death.
The order affects certain model-year 2003 through 2016 vehicles that remain unrepaired from earlier recalls linked to the Takata airbag crisis, which has plagued the automotive industry for more than a decade. FCA US LLC, a subsidiary of Stellantis, is taking this step “to compel owners to repair all remaining vehicles subject to this recall to safeguard the safety of owners, their families and the general public,” company spokesperson Frank Matyok told NTD News in an emailed statement.
Matyok said the move is part of a renewed push to complete lingering recall repairs after years of extensive outreach efforts. “The company has already taken extensive measures in the U.S. to repair all vehicles equipped with a Takata airbag,” he said, adding that multiple letters, national communication campaigns, and even door-to-door canvassing were carried out to reach owners.
The automaker emphasized that no recent ruptures, injuries, or fatalities linked to these airbags have been reported in the United States.
FCA US confirmed the stop-drive notice applies to certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models built between 2003 and 2016. The affected vehicles include a wide range of popular models—from Dodge Ram pickup trucks to Jeep Wranglers—all previously subject to Takata airbag recalls. The directive aims to address the remaining group of vehicles that have yet to receive replacement inflators.
According to Stellantis, affected owners began receiving notifications on Feb. 9, and repair work will be completed free of charge. The company is coordinating with dealers to speed up the process and make it as convenient as possible.
“The safety and well-being of our customers is our highest priority, and we are committed to supporting the individual needs of all our customers,” Matyok said. “We are working closely with our dealer network to provide alternative solutions – such as towing or repair at home – if necessary.”
Since the recall campaign began more than 10 years ago, the company has replaced more than 6.6 million Takata inflators in the United States. Despite those efforts, about 225,000 vehicles remain unrepaired.
Vehicle owners can check whether their car is affected by calling 833-585-0144 or entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at recalls.mopar.com, checktoprotect.org, or nhtsa.gov/recalls.