Chrysler Recalls 286,000 Vehicles Over Serious Airbag Issues
Chrysler has announced a significant recall affecting over 286,000 vehicles due to serious safety issues with the vehicles’ side airbags. The Chrysler recalls impacts certain Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models from 2018 through 2021. According to notices filed with NHTSA, the side curtain airbag inflators in these vehicles may rupture, which could cause metal shards to strike passengers and potentially cause injury or death.
The automaker plans to begin notifying owners about the Chrysler recalls in early May. Dealers will replace both side airbags in the recalled vehicles free of charge to resolve the issue. Chrysler indicated some vehicles may have been equipped with inflators manufactured by supplier SABIC. That were exposed to moisture during the production process. This could lead to stress corrosion and potential rupture of the airbag inflators.
The Scope of the Chrysler Recalls
The recall affects approximately 286,000 vehicles total, including around 280,000 Dodge Chargers and 6,000 Chrysler 300s. The vehicles were produced between 2018 and 2021 at factories in Canada and Mexico. This represents a major Chrysler recalls action to address a serious safety risk.
The recall is focused only on certain models and model years of Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, not other Chrysler vehicles. Parent company Stellantis said the recalled airbag inflators use a different propellant and design. Than those involved in prior massive Takata recalls. However, the potential for uncontrollable airbag rupture in an accident means the issue requires an urgent Chrysler recalls to inspect and repair all affected vehicles.
Owners of vehicles under this Chrysler recalls should wait to receive notification letters from Chrysler before contacting dealers. In the meantime, consumers can check if their vehicle is included by entering their 17-digit VIN on the NHTSA recalls website. Replacing defective parts now will help prevent future injuries from what could otherwise be a catastrophic airbag failure.
