“Do Not Drive” Warnings Issued for Honda, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, and Mitsubishi Vehicles Over Deadly Takata Air Bags

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued one of the most urgent consumer safety warnings possible: a “do not drive” alert for thousands of vehicles still equipped with unrepaired Takata air bags. This warning applies to certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Mitsubishi models that remain under open recall. FCA US is telling drivers to stop using these vehicles immediately until the defective air bag inflators are replaced. The reason is simple and terrifying—these air bags can explode when deployed, turning a safety device into a deadly weapon. Takata inflators have been linked to catastrophic ruptures that send metal fragments into the passenger compartment. Even a low-speed crash can trigger an explosion powerful enough to cause severe injuries or death. NHTSA has confirmed at least 28 deaths in the United States caused by defective Takata air bags, and at least 400 people have reportedly been injured. These are not minor injuries; victims have suffered life-altering trauma from shrapnel striking them in the face, neck, and chest. The risk increases as vehicles age because long-term exposure to heat and humidity makes older inflators even more unstable over time. That is why federal regulators are stressing that older model-year vehicles are at the highest danger of rupture.

FCA says that while more than 6.6 million Takata inflators in its vehicles have already been replaced, about 225,000 vehicles nationwide are still unrepaired and remain on the road. Those vehicles should not be driven until fixed. The models currently under the “do not drive” warning include the following vehicles with open Takata recalls:

• 2003–2010 Dodge Ram
• 2004–2009 Dodge Durango
• 2005–2011 Dodge Dakota
• 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum
• 2006–2015 Dodge Charger
• 2008–2014 Dodge Challenger
• 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen
• 2005–2015 Chrysler 300
• 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler
• 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider

These vehicles are considered unsafe until the recall repair is completed. NHTSA is urging every vehicle owner—not just FCA drivers—to check immediately for open safety recalls, because Takata inflators were installed across tens of millions of vehicles from many automakers. In addition to Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Mitsubishi, affected vehicles span brands like Acura, BMW, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Mazda, Nissan, Pontiac, Toyota, and more.

This crisis traces back to Takata Corporation, a Japanese automotive parts company with production facilities around the world. In 2013, a series of deaths and injuries tied to defective Takata inflators—many produced at a plant in Mexico—sparked an initial recall of 3.6 million vehicles. As more fatalities occurred, NHTSA ordered an ongoing nationwide recall that grew into the largest automotive recall in U.S. history, eventually involving more than 42 million vehicles in the United States alone. Takata filed for bankruptcy in June 2017 and was later acquired by Key Safety Systems. As of January 2024, more than 100 million air bag inflators worldwide have been recalled by over 20 automakers, showing just how massive and long-lasting this safety disaster has become.

The most important step drivers can take right now is to check their vehicle’s recall status immediately. NHTSA recommends using the Recalls Lookup Tool at NHTSA.gov/Recalls, where you can search using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or even your license plate. Drivers should also download the free SaferCar app, which can automatically monitor recalls and alert you if your vehicle is affected in the future.

If your car is under recall, contact your local dealership right away to schedule the repair. The replacement is completely free—recall work is paid for by the manufacturer, not the customer. No one should delay because of cost concerns. Dealerships are required to replace the defective air bag inflator at no charge. FCA owners can also call the customer service hotline at 833-585-0144 for help.

Safety officials emphasize that every recall is serious because it means there is a known safety defect in your vehicle. But the Takata crisis is especially urgent because the defect can turn an air bag into an explosive device. If your vehicle is listed under this “do not drive” warning, stop driving immediately and get it repaired as soon as possible. The bottom line is clear: this is a life-or-death safety issue. Check today, schedule the free fix, and protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

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