Full Breakdown
Stellantis Issues "Do Not Drive" Warning for 225,000 Vehicles Due to Takata Airbag Defects
2/12/2026, 7:53:24 AM
Overview of the Warning
On February 11, 2026, Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, issued a "Do Not Drive" alert for approximately 225,000 older vehicles in the United States equipped with unrepaired Takata airbag inflators. This directive affects various models from 2003 to 2016, including the Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota, Magnum, Challenger, Chrysler Aspen, Chrysler 300, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Raider. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that defective Takata airbag inflators can explode, releasing metal shrapnel that poses a serious risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.
Background on Takata Airbag Issues
The Takata airbag recall is recognized as the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, affecting over 67 million vehicles. Since 2009, there have been hundreds of reported injuries and at least 28 fatalities linked to these defective inflators. The problem arises from a propellant that can degrade over time, particularly in hot and humid conditions, increasing the likelihood of rupture during airbag deployment.
Details of the Affected Vehicles
The vehicles included in Stellantis' warning are:
- 2003–2016 Dodge Ram pickup trucks
- 2004–2009 Dodge Durango SUVs
- 2005–2012 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks
- 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum station wagons
- 2006–2015 Dodge Charger sedans
- 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen SUVs
- 2008–2014 Dodge Challenger coupes
- 2005–2015 Chrysler 300 sedans
- 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler SUVs
- 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider
Stellantis has completed repairs on over 6.6 million vehicles but estimates that around 225,000 remain unrepaired.
Official Statements & Responses
Stellantis emphasized that the "stop-drive" directive is a critical measure to protect vehicle owners and the public from potential harm. Frank Matyok, a spokesperson for Stellantis, stated, “This action is intended to accelerate the repair of the remaining affected vehicles to safeguard owners, their families and the general public from the risk of serious injury or death.” The NHTSA reiterated the urgency of the situation, warning that even minor crashes could lead to catastrophic outcomes due to the defective airbags.
Criticism & Opposition
While Stellantis has taken steps to address the issue, some critics argue that the company should have acted sooner to ensure all affected vehicles were repaired. The ongoing risks associated with unrepaired vehicles have raised concerns among safety advocates and vehicle owners alike.
What's Next
Vehicle owners are encouraged to verify their recall status by visiting NHTSA.gov/Recalls or contacting Stellantis directly. Repairs for the affected vehicles are offered free of charge at authorized dealerships. Stellantis began notifying affected vehicle owners on February 9, 2026, urging them to cease driving until repairs are completed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This action is intended to accelerate the repair of the remaining affected vehicles to safeguard owners, their families and the general public from the risk of serious injury or death,” — Frank Matyok, Stellantis Spokesperson
- “Even minor crashes can result in exploding Takata air bags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries,” — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
