Takata Airbag Recall Expanded To Include 4.3 Million Fiat Chrysler Vehicles

WASHINGTON — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 4,322,870 vehicles to replace defective Takata front-passenger airbag inflators, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced on Friday.

The affected vehicles are:

2006-’09 Dodge Ram 3500
2007-’10 Dodge Ram/Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
2008-’10 Dodge Ram/Ram 4500/5500 Cab Chassis
2007-’12 Jeep Wrangler
2006-’09 Mitsubishi Raider
2008-’09 Sterling/Bullet 4500/5500 Cab Chassis
2007-’09 Chrysler Aspen
2005-’12 Chrysler 300
2008-’12 Dodge Challenger
2006-’12 Dodge Charger
2005-’11 Dodge Dakota
2004-’09 Dodge Durango
2005-’08 Dodge Magnum
2004-’08 Dodge Ram 1500
2005-’09 Dodge Ram 2500

“These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperate cycling,” said NHTSA in its recall summary. “An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.”

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said it is “unaware of any injuries or accidents involving FCA US vehicles subject to this campaign,” in a statement.

“Nor have there been any ruptures in nearly 6,300 exploratory tests of passenger-side inflators taken from FCA US vehicles registered in regions subject to high absolute humidity,” it said. “These test vehicles also were representative of the oldest vehicles in this recall population (mostly model years 2004 and 2005), thus experiencing the longest exposure to potentially problematic environmental conditions.”

Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. A notification schedule has not been provided.

“All affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service,” the company said. “Vehicles currently or previously registered in areas identified with high absolute humidity will be targeted first.”

Owners can contact Fiat Chrysler Automobiles U.S. customer care center at 1-800-853-1403.

Edmunds says: Owners of these vehicles will have to wait for parts to become available before scheduling a service appointment.