June signals the arrival of summer, arguably the most relaxing and carefree season of the year.
But to help make it truly carefree, the National Safety Council (NSC) has designated June as Air Bag Recall Repair Month – a campaign dictated by the presence on today’s roads of more than 7.1 million vehicles that are still equipped with defective Takata air bags.
“That’s a staggering number when you consider the industry wide Takata recall began nearly 10 years ago,” says Tom McCarthy, global head of Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC). “And there is good reason to intensify the message that these air bags must be replaced without further delay.”
To date, Stellantis has replaced nearly 7.5 million defective Takata air bags. However, nearly 1.2 million are believed to remain on the road in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, Ram-brand vehicles – a potentially lethal hazard that becomes riskier with each passing day.
“These air bags are equipped with inflators that use a propellant that is subject to breakdown as they age,” McCarthy warns. “And this effect is exacerbated by exposure to heat and humidity.”
Should a defective air bag deploy in a crash, its inflator may rupture and spray deadly shrapnel inside the vehicle.
Accordingly, Stellantis is joining with the NSC to urge its employees to check their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) at mopar.com for outstanding air bag recalls. Alternatively, VINs or license plates may be searched at checktoprotect.org.
Employees are strongly encouraged to implore friends and relatives to do the same.
Air bag replacement is free of charge. Owners of CDJR-brand vehicles in Florida, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas are eligible to receive a $50 pre-paid Mastercard if they have their air bags replaced by July 15.
The service procedure can take as little as one hour. Ask dealers about ride-share and shuttle services; some provide mobile service.
More information is available at 1-833-585-0144.
