NHTSA Ask 276,000 Dodge Charger And Challenger Owners To Park Cars After Fatal Accidents

Nov. 04, 2022 6:11 AM ET byChase Bierenkoven Recall /2 Comments

These cars can't move until they get a recall service performed.

Stellantis, the parent company to Dodge, has asked 276,000 owners of 2005-2010Dodge Challenger, Charger Magnum, and Chrysler 300 vehicles to park their cars. The statement is related toproblematic Takata airbags.

Per the NHTSA, two people have died in separate crashes after the airbags in their Dodge Charger exploded.

In both cases, the airbag was on the driver's side of the car. As a measure of caution, the NHTSA urges all owners of the cars we mentioned above to check and see if their vehicles have anopen Takata airbags recall.

Dodge

The NHTSA says all owners need to do is contact their local dealership. From there, if a vehicle is affected, a free repair can be scheduled. Given the "do not drive" warning, customers will be able to work with dealerships to have their vehicles transported in for service.

"Left unrepaired, recalled Takata airbags are increasingly dangerous as the risk of an explosion rises as vehicles age. Every day that passes when you don't get a recalled airbag replaced puts you and your family at greater risk of injury or death," said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson.

Dodge

"An exploding Takata airbag can send metal fragments toward the driver or passengers, and this shrapnel can kill - and has - killed or maimed people," continued the Acting Administrator.

The speed or severity of the crash is irrelevant, and deployment of the faulty airbags is clearly the NHTSA's primary concern. Additionally, the NHTSA has said that age is a factor in these cases.

Dodge

Older model vehicles, like 2005-2010 MY Dodge vehicles named above, are at much higher risk due to their age. At least in part, some of the dangerous effects of these airbag detonations can be attributed to the age of the airbag.

The NHTSA's statement says that owners who want to speak directly to the manufacturer will have the opportunity to do so. They can contact the manufacturer via the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Takata Call Center Phone at: 833-585-0144 or go to the website.