### The Unsettling Reality of Faulty Takata Airbags As a DIY enthusiast and budget build expert, I've seen my fair share of questionable parts and dubious DIY fixes. But one issue that still sends a chill down my spine is the Takata airbag scandal. Remember those inflatable safety devices that were supposed to protect us, but instead turned into ticking time bombs aimed directly at our faces? Yeah, those ones. In a move that's been a long time coming, Stellantis has issued a "do not drive" order for approximately 225,000 older vehicles that still contain the faulty airbags. But why now, after all these years? The answer lies in the degradation of the chemical propellant inside the inflators, which increases the risk of rupture during airbag deployment and metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin. ### The Risk of Rupture Over time, the propellant can degrade, particularly in hot and humid ...
### The Unsettling Reality of Faulty Takata Airbags
As a DIY enthusiast and budget build expert, I’ve seen my fair share of questionable parts and dubious DIY fixes. But one issue that still sends a chill down my spine is the Takata airbag scandal. Remember those inflatable safety devices that were supposed to protect us, but instead turned into ticking time bombs aimed directly at our faces? Yeah, those ones.
In a move that’s been a long time coming, Stellantis has issued a “do not drive” order for approximately 225,000 older vehicles that still contain the faulty airbags. But why now, after all these years? The answer lies in the degradation of the chemical propellant inside the inflators, which increases the risk of rupture during airbag deployment and metal fragments entering the vehicle cabin.
### The Risk of Rupture
Over time, the propellant can degrade, particularly in hot and humid conditions, making the risk of rupture even more pronounced. It’s like playing a game of Russian roulette – the longer you wait, the more likely you are to hit the jackpot. And trust me, you don’t want to be the one who gets hit.
### A History of Neglect
This issue has been a long time coming, but Stellantis is finally taking action. But they’re not alone – other manufacturers like Honda, BMW, Ford, Nissan, Mazda, and even Toyota have issued “do not drive” orders for affected vehicles. It’s a sobering reminder that even the biggest players in the industry can’t escape the consequences of their actions.
### What You Need to Know
If you own one of the affected vehicles, don’t panic just yet. Stellantis will provide repair instructions and guidance on how to get your vehicle fixed. But in the meantime, it’s essential to exercise caution and consider the risks involved.
### Conclusion
The Takata airbag scandal is a stark reminder of the importance of vehicle safety. While it’s easy to get complacent, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take action when necessary. So, the next time you’re behind the wheel, remember that your safety is paramount – and don’t take any chances with faulty airbags.
### Model Years and Vehicle Information
* 2003-2010 Dodge Ram (15V312, 15V313, 16V352, 16V947, 18V021, 19V018)
* 2003-2010 Dodge Durango (15V313, 16V352, 16V947, 18V021)
* 2004-2009 Dodge Durango (15V313, 16V352, 16V947, 18V021)
* 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota (15V313, 16V352, 18V021, 19V018)
* 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum (15V313, 16V352)
* 2006-2015 Dodge Charger (15V313, 16V352, 18V021, 19V018)
* 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen (15V313, 16V352, 16V947, 18V021)
* 2008-2014 Dodge Challenger (15V444, 16V352, 18V021, 19V018)
* 2005-2015 Chrysler 300 (15V313, 16V352, 18V021, 19V018)
* 2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler (16V352, 18V021, 19V018)
* 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider (15V313, 16V352)
### Description:
Stellantis has issued a “do not drive” order for approximately 225,000 older vehicles that still contain the faulty Takata airbags. The order covers various models and model years, and the manufacturer advises owners to exercise caution and follow repair instructions to ensure their safety.
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