Automaker Issues 'Do Not Drive' Warning for 225,000 Vehicles Due to Exploding Airbags

Faulty Takata airbags pose deadly risk to drivers and passengers in older model Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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An automobile manufacturer that makes cars under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram names issued a 'do not drive' warning for more than 225,000 vehicles on Wednesday. The vehicles have defective Takata airbags that can explode with too much force during deployment, sending shrapnel into the vehicle and potentially killing or seriously injuring the occupants.

Why it matters

The Takata airbag recall is the largest automotive recall in history, affecting tens of millions of vehicles from 19 different manufacturers. At least 28 people have been killed and 400 others injured by the exploding airbags, which are more likely to malfunction in older vehicles. This warning highlights the ongoing safety risks posed by these defective airbags and the importance for owners to get their vehicles repaired.

The details

The faulty airbags use ammonium nitrate as the propellant, which can deteriorate over time, especially in hot and humid conditions. This can cause the airbag inflator to explode with too much force, blowing open the canister and sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle's cabin. The 'do not drive' warning applies to specific older model Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles that have not yet had the recall repair performed.

  • The Takata airbag recall dates back to 2008.
  • Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017 due to the massive recall costs.

The players

FCA US

The automobile manufacturer that issued the 'do not drive' warning for over 225,000 vehicles with defective Takata airbags.

Takata

The airbag manufacturer whose faulty inflator design led to the largest automotive recall in history, resulting in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries worldwide.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The U.S. government agency that oversees vehicle safety and has been involved in the Takata airbag recall efforts.

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What’s next

Vehicle owners can check if their car is affected by the recall using the NHTSA's recalls lookup tool or the SaferCar app. If the vehicle is part of the recall, owners should schedule a free repair appointment at their local dealership.

The takeaway

This 'do not drive' warning highlights the ongoing dangers posed by defective Takata airbags, which have resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide. It underscores the importance for owners of affected vehicles to get their cars repaired as soon as possible to ensure the safety of themselves and their passengers.