Stellantis Recalls 285K Dodge and Chrysler Sedans

Stellantis, the automotive company, has announced a recall affecting nearly 285,000 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans across the United States. The reason can be traced to a specific part that all modern cars are required to have per the regulations of the federal government: side curtain airbag inflators. The issue is the inflators for these vehicles might rupture, potentially releasing dangerous metal fragments into the vehicle cabin.

These airbag inflators operate by triggering a chemical reaction to rapidly inflate the airbag in case of a collision. However, in some 2018 through 2021 models, moisture during the manufacturing process might have caused internal corrosion, leading to potential cracks in the inflator mechanism, according to Stellantis.

Both the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, being large sedans, share most of their engineering. Interestingly, this particular issue seems confined to these models alone and hasn’t affected other vehicles under the Stellantis umbrella.

Stellantis isn’t alone when it comes to automotive recalls. Although this problem is very reminiscent of the previous and widespread Takata airbag inflator recalls, it appears to be distinct and unrelated. Last month, Toyota faced an issue with a faulty neutral function that led to a recall, while Volkswagen issued a recall due to fuel leak concerns.

Starting in early May, Stellantis plans to notify affected vehicle owners via mail. They will be requested to bring their cars to a dealership for the replacement of both side airbags at no expense. Additionally, those who have already paid for such replacements will be reimbursed.

Fortunately, there haven’t been any reported accidents or injuries due to these airbag concerns. Only five instances of inflator bursts have been recorded, all of which occurred in parked vehicles exposed to interior temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit, a common occurrence in hot weather conditions.

While recalls may cause inconvenience, they’re crucial for maintaining vehicle safety standards. Stay informed about recalls related to your vehicle to ensure your safety on the road.