FCA US and NHTSA issue urgent 'do not drive' warning for 225,000 vehicles with defective air bags

Owners of certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models urged to stop driving immediately due to risk of deadly air bag explosions.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and FCA US have issued an urgent 'do not drive' warning for approximately 225,000 owners of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles with unrepaired Takata air bag recalls. The defective air bags can explode even in minor collisions, sending metal shrapnel into the cabin, resulting in 28 confirmed deaths and over 400 injuries in the U.S. so far.

Why it matters

This warning highlights the ongoing safety risks posed by the Takata air bag crisis, one of the largest automotive recalls in history. It underscores the importance for vehicle owners to promptly address open recalls, especially on older models where the air bag propellant is more likely to degrade over time and cause catastrophic failures.

The details

The urgent 'do not drive' warning covers specific model years of Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota, Magnum, Charger, Challenger, Chrysler 300, and Jeep Wrangler vehicles that have unrepaired Takata air bag recalls. Safety experts emphasize that the age of the vehicle is a critical factor, as the chemical propellant used in Takata air bags can degrade over time, especially when exposed to high humidity and temperature fluctuations, making older models significantly more likely to suffer a deadly rupture during a crash.

  • The NHTSA and FCA US issued the urgent warning on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards for motor vehicles and equipment.

FCA US

The American subsidiary of the multinational automotive manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, which includes the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands.

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What’s next

Owners of the affected vehicles should immediately visit the NHTSA website to check if their vehicle is included in the recall, and then contact FCA to schedule a free repair appointment at an authorized dealership.

The takeaway

This urgent 'do not drive' warning underscores the ongoing dangers posed by the Takata air bag crisis, which has resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries. It serves as a stark reminder for all vehicle owners to proactively address open safety recalls, especially on older models, in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.