Owners of roughly 225,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles across the United States have been issued an immediate “do not drive” warning. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA US) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are urging owners not to operate those vehicles until defective Takata air bag inflators are replaced free of charge at authorized dealerships.

This advisory was issued on February 11, 2026, by NHTSA in collaboration with FCA US. NHTSA emphasized the heightened risk posed by ageing Takata air bag inflators, which can rupture upon deployment, propelling dangerous metal fragments that have caused at least 28 deaths and hundreds of injuries nationwide. Even minor collisions can trigger these explosive failures. FCA reports that while more than 6.6 million inflators in its vehicles have been replaced, approximately 225,000 affected cars remain unrepaired.

The models under this warning span multiple makes and years, including:

  • 2003–2010 Dodge Ram
  • 2004–2009 Dodge Durango
  • 2005–2011 Dodge Dakota
  • 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum
  • 2006–2015 Dodge Charger
  • 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen
  • 2008–2014 Dodge Challenger
  • 2005–2015 Chrysler 300
  • 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider

Owners are strongly encouraged to visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool by VIN or plate, download the SaferCar app, or call FCA’s recall hotline at 833‑585‑0144 to schedule their free repair immediately.

Why this matters: Recalled Takata air bags remain a serious, unresolved threat in our region. Older model vehicles prevalent in Cowlitz County may belong to the affected group. For local owners—particularly those driving older Dodge, Jeep, Ram, or Chrysler models—this advisory is pending public safety importance. Those still operating vehicles within the specified ranges should treat the warning as mandatory.

Columbia Countercurrent strongly urges residents who own or operate vehicles listed above to prioritize inspections or repairs. Even absent a known crash, the danger is persistent—postponing repairs carries potentially lethal consequences.