You may have one of the affected vehicles and not even know it — Stellantis has issued an urgent “Do Not Drive” warning for roughly 225,000 older Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models because unrepaired Takata airbag inflators can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. If a vehicle on that list matches yours, stop driving it immediately and arrange a free dealer repair.
This post will walk through which makes and model years are involved, why the inflators remain hazardous years after installation, and the exact steps to verify recall status and get the inflator replaced. Expect clear, practical guidance so they can act quickly and safely.
Details of the Urgent “Do Not Drive” Warning
The notice orders owners not to drive certain older Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Mitsubishi models until dealers replace defective inflators. It explains which vehicles, the failure mode of Takata airbag inflators, and how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration enforced the stop-drive directive.
Vehicles Affected by the Stop-Drive Directive
Stellantis and partner brands flagged roughly 225,000 older vehicles in the U.S. under the directive. Affected models include late-1990s through mid-2010s Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles that still have unrepaired Takata airbag recalls; some Mitsubishi models share the same inflator designs. Owners receive direct notices and dealers will prioritize repairs.
Owners should check their VIN against dealer and NHTSA databases before driving. Dealers will replace the passenger- or driver-side inflator assemblies free of charge. If replacement parts are not yet available, companies recommend arranging alternate transportation and scheduling the remedy as soon as parts arrive.
The Role of Takata Airbag Inflators in the Recall
Takata airbag inflators can rupture during deployment and spray metal fragments into the cabin. The defect stems from propellant degradation over time, worsened by heat and humidity, which can make inflators unstable even in low-speed crashes.
This failure has caused dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries historically, prompting a phased national campaign. The current stop-drive language applies when the inflator’s risk profile and age meet thresholds that create an immediate hazard, so the inflator is considered too dangerous to leave in service until replaced.
How the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Responded
NHTSA escalated the wording to an urgent “Do Not Drive” consumer alert to signal immediate safety risk and to push faster dealer action. The agency coordinated with Stellantis (FCA US) to issue the formal directive and to publicize VIN lookup tools and contact information for owners.
NHTSA also advised states and law enforcement to help notify owners and monitor compliance where appropriate. The agency is tracking replacement-part availability, repair rates, and any new incidents tied to unrepaired inflators, and it can compel further remedies if manufacturers fail to meet corrective timelines.
What Owners Need to Do Next
Owners should confirm whether their vehicle is part of the affected group and schedule the free repair immediately. If a vehicle is covered and unrepaired, owners may be under a formal stop-drive directive and should avoid driving until a replacement inflator is installed.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Included
They should start with the vehicle identification number (VIN). Enter the VIN at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recall lookup or the manufacturer’s recall page to see active campaigns and whether the Takata inflator recall applies.
If they prefer phone help, call the automaker’s customer service line or a local dealer and give the VIN. Dealers can also check their internal system and confirm parts availability. Keep a copy of any VIN check or dealer confirmation for records and scheduling.
Check the model years and specific models listed in the alert; the warning targets certain Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram and Mitsubishi models from roughly 2003–2016. If the NHTSA lookup or dealer shows an open Takata-related recall, treat the vehicle as unsafe to drive until the repair is completed.
Recall Repairs and What to Expect
Repair parts and labor for Takata inflator replacements are free under the recall. Dealers will replace the defective inflator with a non-affected unit; the job typically takes under an hour but can take longer if parts are limited or multiple airbags need service.
When scheduling, ask whether the dealer has the correct inflator in stock and whether a loaner or rental will be provided. Bring proof of VIN checks, recall notices, and vehicle registration to speed the appointment. If the manufacturer or NHTSA has issued a stop-drive directive for the vehicle, confirm with the dealer what alternatives exist for getting the car to the shop safely.
After repair, get written confirmation the recall repair was completed and verify the vehicle’s recall status again in the NHTSA database. Keep the repair record with the title and insurance documents in case future resale or safety audits require proof of compliance.
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