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

Faulty Takata airbags pose risk of serious injury or death in even minor crashes

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 airbags that can explode when deployed, potentially causing serious injury or death to drivers and passengers. The Takata airbag issue was the largest recall in history, affecting 67 million inflators in tens of millions of vehicles made by 19 different manufacturers.

Why it matters

The Takata airbag defect has already resulted in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries worldwide, making it one of the deadliest automotive recalls in history. This latest 'do not drive' warning highlights the ongoing safety risks posed by these faulty airbags, even in older vehicles, and the importance for owners to get their cars repaired as soon as possible.

The details

The problem stems from the Takata airbags' use of ammonium nitrate, a chemical that 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 shrapnel into the vehicle. The 'do not drive' warning applies to over 225,000 older model Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles from the 2003 to 2016 model years that still have unrepaired Takata airbags.

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

The players

FCA US

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

Takata

The airbag manufacturer whose faulty inflators were the subject of 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 issued the warning about the exploding Takata airbags.

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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 danger posed by defective Takata airbags, even years after the initial recall. It serves as a stark reminder for vehicle owners to check if their car is affected and to get the necessary repairs done as soon as possible to ensure their safety.