Stellantis Issues Urgent ‘Stop-Drive’ Alert for 225K Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep Vehicles
Stellantis has issued an urgent ‘Stop-Drive’ alert affecting approximately 225,000 vehicles from its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands. This action is due to a significant airbag safety issue linked to Takata airbags that could potentially release metal fragments during deployment.
Details of the Stop-Drive Alert
The affected models are from the manufacturing years 2003 to 2016. The directive was confirmed by Frank Matyok, a Stellantis spokesperson, on February 11. The alert is aimed at protecting drivers and passengers from the risk of serious injuries and fatalities.
Matyok explained that the chemical propellant in these Takata inflators can break down over time, especially in warm and humid environments. This degradation heightens the risk of airbag rupture during an accident.
Statistics and Background
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports 28 fatalities in the U.S. linked to Takata airbag inflators.
- Minor crashes have the potential to trigger malfunctioning airbags, resulting in severe injuries or death.
- Stellantis has repaired over 6.6 million Takata inflators in the past decade, yet 225,000 vehicles remain unrepaired.
Affected Vehicle Models
The stop-drive alert specifically includes the following models:
- 2003 to 2016 Dodge Ram pickup trucks and Dodge Sprinter vans
- 2004 to 2009 Dodge Durango SUVs
- 2005 to 2012 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks
- 2005 to 2008 Dodge Magnum station wagons
- 2006 to 2015 Dodge Charger sedans
- 2008 to 2014 Dodge Challenger coupes
- 2007 to 2009 Chrysler Aspen SUVs
- 2007 to 2008 Chrysler Crossfire coupes
- 2005 to 2015 Chrysler 300 sedans
- 2007 to 2016 Jeep Wrangler SUVs
What Affected Owners Should Do
Owners impacted by the stop-drive notice should have already been notified as of February 9. Stellantis will repair the vehicles at no cost to the owners. To verify recall status, drivers can:
- Call 833-585-0144
- Check on recalls.mopar.com
- Visit checktoprotect.org
- Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls
Stellantis is prioritizing the safety of families and the general public by addressing these critical airbag issues. Owners are urged to take immediate action to ensure their vehicles are safe for driving.
