'Do Not Drive' Warning Issued For Older Chrysler And Dodge Models

Stellantis and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration re-issued warnings on Tuesday for owners not to drive older Chrysler and Dodge vehicles being recalled because of defective airbags.

This warning comes after a third driver has died in a crash involving an older Chrysler or Dodge model due to an exploding Takata air bag. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued a "Do Not Drive" warning on Nov. 3 for approximately 276,000 vehicles and notified owners. These vehicles were 2005-2010 Dodge Magnums, Chargers and Challengers and 2005-2010 Chrysler 300s. The NHTSA had urged all Dodge and Chrysler owners to inspect their vehicles for a recalled Takata airbag.

Chrysler and Dodge dealerships are offering free repairs to fix and replace the defective airbag.

"This holiday season, don't let yourself or someone you love be at risk of dying or being seriously injured because of a defective, recalled Takata air bag. These repairs are absolutely free and could save your life," said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson in the Tuesday warning. "Air bag ruptures have also cost people their eyesight and left them with disfiguring facial injuries. The older a defective air bag inflator gets, the more dangerous it becomes. So please, get your air bag replaced now for your sake, and for the sake of those who love you."

Stellantis said the problem is caused by the chemical properties of the airbag and that it "may deteriorate over time, particularly if exposed to hot, humid climates." Some Jeep and Ram vehicles may also have defective Takata airbags and owners are also asked to check with their dealerships for free repairs.