The latest Takata airbag DO NOT DRIVE recall warning means that if you own a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram vehicle, driving could put your life at risk. FCA US (now Stellantis) has issued an urgent alert for all remaining vehicles with open, unrepaired Takata airbag recalls. About 225,000 vehicles in the U.S. still have not been fixed according to a report from Kelly Blue Book.
The Takata airbag DO NOT DRIVE recall is the largest automotive safety recall in U.S. history. These defective airbags use ammonium nitrate, which breaks down in heat and humidity — conditions that are extremely common in Florida. When the chemical deteriorates, the inflator can explode with too much force, sending metal shrapnel directly into the driver or passengers. Even a parking lot fender-bender can set off a deadly explosion.
Which Vehicles Are Covered by the Takata Airbag Do Not Drive Recall Warning?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following vehicles should not be driven until repaired:
- 2003–2010 Dodge Ram
- 2004–2009 Dodge Durango
- 2005–2011 Dodge Dakota
- 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum
- 2006–2015 Dodge Charger
- 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen
- 2008–2014 Dodge Challenger
- 2005–2015 Chrysler 300
- 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler
- 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider
To find out if your vehicle has an open recall, visit NHTSA’s Recall Lookup Tool and enter your VIN. Repairs are free at any authorized dealership. If your vehicle is on this list, stop driving it now.
What Happens When a Defective Takata Airbag Deploys?
The reason for the urgent Takata airbag DO NOT DRIVE recall is that accidents can be catastrophic. NHTSA has confirmed 28 deaths in the United States caused by exploding Takata airbags, with 400 or more people injured by the metal fragments they release. Florida residents face even greater risk because the state’s heat and humidity accelerate the chemical breakdown inside older inflators. Vehicles that have been sitting in hot garages or driveways for years are especially dangerous — the longer the repair goes undone, the worse the risk becomes.
A South Florida jury awarded $3 million to a man injured when a Takata inflator exploded during what should have been a minor crash. In another Florida case, a woman was left paralyzed after a Takata airbag deployed with excessive force in a low-speed collision. These are not rare incidents — they are happening all over Florida. Drivers and passengers in recalled vehicles have no warning before an inflator fails. The airbag is supposed to save your life, not end it.
If you were hurt in a crash and the vehicle had an unrepaired recall, you may have a car accident claim against the manufacturer, the vehicle owner, or both. The fact that a recall was open and ignored is powerful evidence of negligence.
What to Do After a Defective Airbag Crash
An injury from a defective airbag is not a typical car accident case. These claims can involve product liability, manufacturer negligence, and recall compliance failures. Acting quickly is critical.
Here is what to do right away:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor — shrapnel wounds are not always visible.
- Do not repair or dispose of the vehicle. The car is evidence.
- Document everything — photos, medical records, police reports, and the vehicle’s VIN.
- Contact an Orlando car accident attorney who handles defective product claims to protect your rights.
A qualified attorney can identify all liable parties, preserve critical evidence, and pursue full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Victims of defective airbag crashes deserve real accountability.
Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, Haines City, and Davenport. Don’t take chances with your claim. Call us today to get started.
