Stellantis has recalled more than 322,000 cars and trucks for two separate airbag issues afflicting the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram families, the NHTSA disclosed Monday.
Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 side curtain airbag recall
The largest of the two recalls encompasses 284,982 vehicles for side curtain airbag inflators that could rupture and spew sharp metal fragments like shrapnel into the passenger area. The airbags sit in the roof rail and deploy at the head and shoulder area on both the driver and passenger side to prevent the head and chest area from slamming against the frame in a side impact collision.
The side curtain airbag inflator recall covers the 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and 2018-2021 Chrysler 300 full-size sedans. Both cars were discontinued after the 2023 model year, but the Charger has been reborn as an electric vehicle.
It might sound similar to the Takata airbag recall that roiled the automotive industry in the past decade, with more than 67 million airbags recalled across an estimated 40 million vehicles from most major automakers. The largest automotive recall in history also had ruptured inflators that killed at least 27 people in the U.S. and were attributable to at least 400 injuries to vehicle occupants. It subsequently bankrupted Takata, the Japanese airbag supplier.
The Charger and Chrysler 300 airbag recall is unrelated to the Takata airbag recall. The cause of the issue is similar, however, with moisture leaching into the inflator during manufacturing and leading to corrosion over time that could cause the inflator to crack. This airbag supplier was Joyson Safety Systems, based out of Auburn Hills, Mich.
The automaker formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles acknowledged five customer records and two warranty claims for the issue, but knew of no deaths or injuries related to it. Dealers will replace both side curtain airbags free of charge, and owners who had the work done previously will be reimbursed. Expect notification by mail by May 3, 2024.
Jeep, Ram driver airbag not deploying recall
The second recall disclosed by the American brands in Stellantis’ portfolio encompasses 38,164 mostly new vehicles from Ram and Jeep, though a handful of Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager minivans are included.
An improper welding of the control module in the steering column can result in driver’s side airbags in the steering wheel not deploying in the event of a crash. The recall affects the following vehicles:
2023 Chrysler Voyager
2023 Jeep Gladiator
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L
2023 Ram 1500 Classic
2023-2024 Chrysler Pacifica
2023-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
2023-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
2023-2024 Jeep Wrangler
2023-2024 Ram 1500
2023-2024 Ram 2500/3500
2023-2024 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Cab Chassis
Expect notification by mail by May 3, 2024, advising to bring the vehicle into a dealer for an inspection of and possible replacement of the steering column control module.
For more info on these recalls, contact Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Ram customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or visit the brand’s domestic recall site here.