The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirmed another Takata airbag death on Monday, bringing the total number of deaths this year to five. In a separate statement, Stellantis urged owners of older Chrysler and Dodge vehicles with open Takata driver-side airbag recall to stop driving their vehicles immediately and contact the company to schedule any necessary repairs.
Death occurred in a recent 2010 Chrysler 300 accident in which a Takata driver’s side airbag inflator ruptured. In November, Stellantis released “Don’t drivethe warning for approximately 276,000 Dodge Magnum, Charger, and Challenger, as well as Chrysler 300 from model years 2005 through 2010. The warning was issued after two people were killed in separate accidents involving a 2010 Dodge Charger in which a Takata driver’s side airbag exploded.
“Time is of the essence here as risk increases each day these air bag inflators are not replaced,” said Tom McCarthy, global head of Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance at Stellantis. “We have spare parts, and the service is free. We will provide alternative transportation, also free of charge, to help people get to and from our dealerships, as needed.”
NHTSA urges all owners to immediately check if their vehicle has open airbag recall and contact their dealer to schedule a no-cost repair. Even a minor collision can result in death or serious injury due to a damaged inflator in the Takata airbag. Older vehicles, such as the 2010 Chrysler 300, are more likely to cause injury because airbag age is one factor that contributes to safety risks.
To learn more about the Takata airbag recall, owners can visit the NHTSA website page dedicated to this issue. They can also contact the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Takata Call Center at 833-585-0144 or at the company’s telephone number. website.
The Takata airbag recall involves millions of vehicles in the US from many automakers. Now in its 10th year, it is the largest automotive recall in US history. There have been a total of 24 deaths linked to faulty Takata airbags, with one more occurring earlier this month.
