Automaker Issues 'Do Not Drive' Warning for Over 225,000 Vehicles

Faulty Takata air bags pose deadly explosion risk in older models

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 over 225,000 vehicles on Wednesday. The recall is due to faulty Takata air bags that can explode with too much force, sending shrapnel into the vehicle and potentially killing or seriously injuring drivers and passengers.

Why it matters

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

The details

According to the recall, the 'do not drive' warning applies to 225,000 older vehicles that still have unrepaired Takata air bags. The problem stems from the air bags' construction, which used ammonium nitrate to trigger inflation. Over time, especially in hot and humid conditions, the chemical can deteriorate and create explosions with too much force, blowing open the air bag canister and sending shrapnel into the vehicle.

  • The Takata air bag recall dates back to 2008.
  • Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017.

The players

FCA US

The automobile manufacturer that issued the 'do not drive' warning, producing vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands.

Takata

The company that manufactured the faulty air bags, which used an unstable chemical propellant that could deteriorate over time and cause deadly explosions.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The U.S. government agency that oversees vehicle safety and has been tracking the Takata air bag recall, which is the largest in history.

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What’s next

Owners of the affected vehicles should immediately stop driving their cars and contact their local dealership to schedule a free recall repair.

The takeaway

This latest 'do not drive' warning underscores the ongoing dangers posed by the Takata air bag recall, the largest in automotive history. It serves as a stark reminder for owners of older vehicles to get their cars repaired as soon as possible to avoid the risk of deadly air bag explosions, even in minor crashes.