Chrysler parent Stellantis issues ‘Do Not Drive' alert for 225K vehicles due to defective air bags

Core Viewpoint - Stellantis has issued a "Do Not Drive" warning for approximately 225,000 older vehicles in the US due to unrepaired defective Takata air bag inflators, emphasizing the urgency of completing repairs to protect vehicle owners and the public from serious injury or death [1][4]. Group 1: Vehicle Recall and Safety - The warning affects various older models including Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota, Magnum, Challenger, Chrysler Aspen and 300, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Raider from model years 2003 to 2016 [1][4]. - Stellantis has completed recall repairs on over 6.6 million vehicles, representing about 95% of those recalled more than a decade ago [5]. - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 28 deaths in the US linked to defective Takata air bag inflators, highlighting the severe risks associated with these inflators [6][8]. Group 2: Industry Context and Historical Data - Since 2009, hundreds of injuries have been reported due to Takata air bag inflators that can explode, causing metal shrapnel to injure or kill vehicle occupants [2]. - Over the past decade, more than 100 million vehicles with Takata airbag inflators have been recalled globally, with 67 million in the US, marking the largest recall in US history [6]. - In 2024, Honda confirmed 20 US deaths related to Takata air bag issues, attributed to propellant degradation from prolonged exposure to temperature fluctuations and humidity [8].