Stellantis is recalling nearly 285,000 Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 cars from the 2018 through 2021 model years due to a defective inflator in the side curtain airbags that could cause the airbags to rupture, potentially sending metal fragments into the cabin. The automaker will notify owners of the recall on May 3 and will replace the inflators free of charge.
**Recall Details**
Stellantis, in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has announced the recall of 217,802 Dodge Charger and 67,180 Chrysler 300 sedans from 2018 through 2021. The issue is a defective side curtain airbag inflator, with about 1 percent of the recalled vehicles predicted to be affected. According to the recall report, the “suspect inflators” were used between July 2018 and May 2021, after which they were no longer used in the cars based on production records.
**Cause of the Issue**
Stellantis stated in their recall report that moisture introduced into the inflator during supplier manufacturing may have caused internal corrosion over time, potentially leading to Stress Corrosion Cracking in the inflator. This issue could result in the airbag rupturing and sending metal fragments into the cabin, posing a risk of injury to occupants. While Stellantis is aware of two warranty claims and five customer assistance records related to the issue as of February 2024, there have been no reports of injuries.
**Replacement Process**
Recalled vehicles will have both side curtain airbags replaced with new ones using inflators manufactured outside the recall period. Owners will be notified of the recall starting on May 3, and in the meantime, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger owners can check the NHTSA recalls site to see if their vehicle is affected.
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