Stellantis Recalls Over 2.84 Lakh Dodge Chargers, Chrysler 300s To Fix Deadly Airbags

Stellantis is issuing a recall for its Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 in the US to address an issue with the airbags. To be specific, the brand has identified an issue with the side curtain airbag inflators.

Some of the modules may rupture discharging shrapnel into the car which can lead to cause serious injuries to the occupants in the vehicle. Based on the announcement, 284,982 sedans will be covered under the recall.

Stellantis is a multinational automotive corporation that owns several popular automotive brands, including Chrysler and Dodge. The company has recently announced a recall for two of its flagship models – the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300. The recall affects a total of 217,802 Dodge Chargers and 67,180 Chrysler vehicles.

Stellantis has reported that the issue is present in less than one percent of the vehicles. It is worth noting that this new recall is not associated with the Takata airbags that were previously recalled. These new inflators work with a distinct design and propellant.

The automaker has already prepared a solution and is currently accumulating parts so that dealers can efficiently service the vehicles. To resolve the issue, technicians will replace the module with one produced outside the suspected defect period, which lasted from July 5, 2018, to May 19, 2021.

Stellantis began investigating a problem on February 17, 2023. By February 2024, they had discovered five customer service records related to the inflators. On March 7, they initiated a voluntary safety recall. Stellantis has stated that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries linked to the issue.

The problem is caused by moisture getting into the inflators during the manufacturing process. This moisture can lead to corrosion and stress cracks that may cause the inflator to rupture during inflation. All five incidents occurred in vehicles where the interior temperature was above 120 degrees Fahrenheit.