Stellantis, the automotive manufacturer, has initiated a recall affecting approximately 285,000 Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured between 2018 and 2021. The recall centers around a potential defect in the side curtain airbag system, which could lead to airbag rupture and the release of metal fragments into the vehicle cabin.
According to documents submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall encompasses 217,802 Dodge Charger and 67,180 Chrysler 300 sedans.
The identified issue involves a faulty side curtain airbag inflator, which is estimated to affect around 1 percent of the vehicles included in the recall. Stellantis specified that the problematic inflators were utilized between July 2018 and May 2021, after which they were discontinued based on production records.
The root cause of the problem is believed to be moisture ingress during the manufacturing process, leading to internal corrosion and potential Stress Corrosion Cracking in the inflator over time.
This deterioration increases the risk of airbag rupture, posing a safety hazard to vehicle occupants. Despite Stellantis being aware of two warranty claims and five customer assistance records related to the issue as of February 2024, no injuries have been reported.
To address the safety concern, Stellantis will replace both side curtain airbags in the affected vehicles with new ones featuring inflators manufactured outside the recall period.
Owners of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300, subject to the recall, will receive notification starting May 3. In the interim, concerned owners can verify if their vehicle is impacted by visiting the NHTSA recalls website.
