In July, the owner of a 2010 Chrysler 300 loaned their vehicle to a family member who was later killed when the driver-side air bag ruptured in a crash, according to Stellantis. The company has confirmed three deaths due to air bag failures in its vehicles in seven months. 

In November, Stellantis issued a “Do Not Drive” warning for roughly 276,000 model year 2005-2010 Dodge Magnums, Chargers and Challengers, and model year 2005-2010 Chrysler 300s. This brings the total of Takata fatalities to 24 in the U.S. since 2009, and the third this year in a Fiat-Chrysler.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is warning ALL vehicle owners to immediately check to see if their vehicle has an open Takata air bag recall.

“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 airbag. These repairs are absolutely free and could save your life,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. “Air bag ruptures have also cost people their eyesight and left them with disfiguring facial injuries. The older a defective airbag 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.” 

For Takata-specific information from vehicle manufacturers, please click here.