Recall Alert"Do Not Drive" means exactly what it sounds like
Stellantis just issued a recall affecting roughly 225,000 older vehicles in the United States, and it comes with a warning you don't see very often: Do Not Drive.
That's not "get it checked when you have time." That's not "schedule a service appointment." That's park it, don't turn the key, and call the dealer. Reuters first reported the scope of the recall, which covers certain older Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep models with potentially defective airbag inflators.
The issue? The airbag inflators can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin. This is the same underlying problem behind the massive Takata airbag crisis that's been unfolding for over a decade.
Which vehicles are affected
The recall primarily covers older model year vehicles from Stellantis brands:
- Dodge Ram (select model years)
- Chrysler 300 (select model years)
- Dodge Charger (select model years)
- Dodge Challenger (select model years)
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (select model years)
The full list is available through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. You can search by VIN to check if your specific vehicle is affected.
What to do right now
If you own one of these vehicles, here's the playbook:
1. Check your VIN immediately. Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your vehicle identification number. It's on your registration, your insurance card, or on the driver's side dashboard where it meets the windshield.
2. If your car is on the list, stop driving it. This isn't overcautious. "Do Not Drive" recalls are reserved for situations where continued use poses an immediate safety risk. The fix is free, but your safety isn't worth the convenience of one more trip.
3. Contact your dealer. Stellantis dealers will perform the repair at no cost. Some recalls also come with loaner vehicle programs or towing reimbursement. Ask about both.
4. Check your insurance. If your car is parked for an extended period waiting for parts, you may be able to temporarily reduce your coverage and save money. Call your insurer and ask about "storage" or "comprehensive only" options.
5. Document everything. Keep records of dealer communications, towing receipts, and any rental car expenses. If the repair takes longer than expected, you may be entitled to reimbursement.
The bigger picture
This recall is part of a much larger story. The Takata airbag crisis has affected tens of millions of vehicles worldwide, and Car and Driver reports that millions of vehicles with these defective inflators are still on the road.
Recalls aren't just a safety issue. They're a financial one. A recalled vehicle can lose resale value. Insurance companies may adjust coverage terms. And if you're driving a car that's been recalled but not repaired, you could face liability complications in an accident.
Don't ignore recall notices
Americans ignore recall notices at a surprisingly high rate. NHTSA estimates that roughly 25% of recalled vehicles never get repaired. That's millions of cars on the road with known safety defects.
Sidekick tracks recalls for every vehicle in your garage and alerts you when something comes up. Because the most expensive repair is the one you didn't know you needed.
Not sure if your car has open recalls? Add your vehicle to Sidekick and we'll keep watch for you.