Stellantis Warns Against Driving 225,000 Older US Vehicles

• The warning covers multiple vehicle brands including Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota, Magnum, Challenger, Chrysler Aspen and 300, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Raider from model years 2003-2016
• NHTSA reports 28 U.S. deaths from crashes involving defective Takata air bag inflators, warning that even minor crashes can cause the air bags to explode and cause fatal or severe injuries
• The 225,000 vehicles subject to the warning have outstanding recall repairs that remain incomplete despite previous recall notices

Summary: Stellantis Issues "Do Not Drive" Warning for 225,000 Vehicles

Key Development:

Stellantis has issued an urgent "Do Not Drive" warning for approximately 225,000 older U.S. vehicles equipped with unrepaired defective Takata air bag inflators previously subject to recall.

Affected Vehicles:

The warning covers multiple brands under the Stellantis umbrella, including:

• Dodge Ram, Durango, Dakota, Magnum, and Challenger
• Chrysler Aspen and 300
• Jeep Wrangler
• Mitsubishi Raider

Model years span from 2003 through 2016, affecting only vehicles that have not completed recall repairs.

Safety Concerns:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that defective Takata air bag inflators have caused 28 deaths in the United States. The agency emphasized that even minor crashes can trigger air bag explosions resulting in fatal or severe injuries.

Market Implications:

This warning highlights ongoing liability concerns related to the Takata air bag crisis, one of the automotive industry's largest safety scandals. For Stellantis, this represents:

• Potential increased recall compliance costs
• Reputational risk management challenges
• Possible legal liability exposure
• Customer relations concerns

The announcement underscores the long-tail impact of the Takata defect, which has affected multiple automakers globally over the past decade. Investors should monitor potential financial impacts from recall completion efforts and any legal actions stemming from the defective inflators.

Timeline:

The warning was issued on February 11, 2025, with vehicles affected dating back over two decades, demonstrating the extended nature of automotive recall challenges.