Dodge, like other car manufacturers, takes safety seriously. But also like other automakers, the Takata airbag recalls affected Dodge vehicles. Along with millions of other cars, trucks, and vans, Dodge and Dodge Ram vehicles are part of the Takata airbag recall campaigns that started in 2014.
How many airbag-related recalls has Dodge issued?
There have been many airbag-related recalls dating all the way back to 2001. Some of these include:
- Driver’s side airbag inflators may explode
- Front passenger airbag inflators may explode
- Accidental side airbag deployment
- Defective clock spring material could disable driver airbags
If you own a Dodge, including a Dodge Ram, you can learn more about airbag recalls here. We’ve put together the details about Dodge airbag recall campaigns:
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V018000
No one wants to be in a serious accident, and we count on airbags to help protect drivers and passengers. In January 2019, FCA US recalled 1.4 million vehicles, including:
- 2010 Dodge Ram 3500
- 2010 Dodge Ram 4500/5500
- 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota
- 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger
The vehicles have passenger front airbags that could explode in case of an accident, causing metal fragments to injure passengers, potentially seriously. Dealers will replace the passenger side airbags of affected vehicles for free.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V021000
In 2018, Dodge recalled over 328,000 2009-2013 Challengers and Chargers, along with 2009-2011 Dodge Dakotas, which were registered in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, and other states in “Zone A”.
Zone A refers to states which are both hot and humid, conditions which contribute to the deterioration of chemical propellant in airbag inflators, leading to explosions instead of safe inflations in case of accidents.
The recall also included some 2009-2010 Ram 4500, 5500, and 3500 Cab Chassis trucks, as well as 2009-2010 Dakota, Charger, and Challengers in Zones B and C, which include cooler states like Illinois and Kansas (Zone B) and Alaska and Colorado (Zone C).
Dealers will replace the frontal passenger airbag inflator at no cost to owners.
Driver’s Side Airbag Mounting Bolt Loose/Missing
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V282000
In between large recall campaigns affecting hundreds of thousands of Dodge vehicles, Chrysler (FCA US LLC) recalled 72 Dodge Challengers made between March and April 2015 because their side airbag inflated curtains (SABIC) could have missing or loose bolts.
This could result in improper deployment of the airbags, which could result in injury during a crash. Starting in May 2015, owners were notified of the recall and safety issue, and dealers would replace the bolts at no charge.
Drivers Side Frontal Airbag May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V313000
FCA US made the largest single recall of Dodge vehicles for airbag problems in May 2015, when it recalled over 4 million vehicles for explosion risks from the driver’s side frontal airbags.
The recall included 2005-2009 Ram 2500s, 2004-2008 Ram 1500s and Durangos, 2005-2009 Ram 3500s, 2008-2010 Ram 4500s and 5500s, 2006-2010 Chargers, and 2005-2011 Dakotas.
Dealers will replace the frontal driver’s side airbag for free, eliminating the risk of explosion.
Daimler Chrysler/Clockspring Material
NHTSA Recall ID: 01V153000
Daimler Chrysler, owner of Dodge Ram in 2001, recalled over 216,000 Dodge Ram trucks made in 2001 because of problems with clock spring material used in the steering wheel. The material could become detached, disabling the driver’s side airbag and illuminating the dash airbag warning lamp.
Starting in June 2001, owners were notified and dealers would replace the clockspring material, eliminating the problem. Daimler Chrysler notified owners of Ram trucks dating back to 1997 that they should have their clockspring material checked for potential defects and free replacement/service.
Inadvertent Side Airbag Deployment
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V467000
Picture driving along and suddenly an airbag inflates in the passenger seat. Whether or not you have a passenger in the seat, the situation is dangerous and alarming. In 2015, FCA US recalled approximately 280,000 Dodge Chargers from 2011-2014 model years because their side impact sensors were overly sensitive.
Dealers will update the Chargers’ Occupant Restraint Control module calibration for free, eliminating the problem.
How Do I Check My Dodge for Recalls?
You can check for airbag recalls on your Dodge through the (NHTSA) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recall check site.
Mopar also maintains a website for recalls, including Takata airbag recalls. The NHTSA site also has a specific resource for airbag recall information. Each site will explain which recalls your car or truck has and what steps you need to take to get the problem taken care of.
