Takata Air Bag Recall Alters Millions of Drivers
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a new Do Not Drive warning tied to Takata air bags, affecting tens of millions of vehicles across multiple automakers. The agency says the air bags can explode when deployed, particularly after long-term exposure to high heat and humidity. Such explosions have already caused injuries and deaths.
This isn’t the first time the defective devices have triggered a large recall. A similar recall happened back in 2019. But the safety agency notes that the current warning involves non-azide driver inflators, which is a different component than the ones in the earlier recalls. That means even if you already dealt with a Takata issue before, you may still be at risk.
Which vehicles are under the Do Not Drive warning
Affected vehicles include the 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL, the 2003 Acura 3.2 CL, and multiple BMW models such as the 2000-2006 3 Series (E46) including the M3, the 2000-2003 5 Series (E39) including the M5, and the 2000-2004 X5s (E53). Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep models are also included. Those range from the 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen and 2005-2015 Chrysler 300 to the 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2005-2010 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2015 Dodge Charger, 2005-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, and 2003-2010 Dodge Ram.
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The 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 is also listed. The 2007-2016 Jeep Wrangler is on there too.
Ford models include the 2004-2011 Ford Ranger, the 2005-2006 GT, the 2005-2014 Mustang, the 2006-2012 Fusion, and the 2007-2010 Edge. Lincoln models affected are the 2006-2012 MKZ/Zephyr and the 2007-2010 MKX. The 2006-2012 Mercury Milan is also on the list.
Honda and Acura models from the early 2000s are covered, including the 2001-2002 Honda Accord and Civic, the 2002 Honda CR-V and Odyssey, and the 2003 Honda Pilot. Infiniti QX4s from 2002-2003 are listed. So are the 2004-2009 Mazda B-Series, the 2003-2013 Mazda6, the 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6, the 2004-2011 RX-8, the 2004-2006 MPV, the 2007-2012 CX-7, and the 2007-2015 CX-9.
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Mitsubishi’s 2006-2009 Raider is included. Nissan models cover the 2002-2006 Sentras and the 2002-2004 Pathfinders.
The 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibe is listed. Toyota models include the 2004-2005 RAV4s and the 2003-2004 Corollas, including the Matrix.
What owners should do next
It says owners can check if their vehicle is affected by using the agency’s Recalls Lookup page. You’ll need your vehicle identification number, or VIN. If there’s such a warning or an open safety campaign, the administration urges you to call your dealer immediately to schedule a free repair. Replacement parts are available, according to the agency.
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The warning is serious.
Driving a vehicle with a recalled defective air bag that hasn’t been fixed means you’re at risk of serious injury or death if the bag deploys. The safety regulator is not mincing words about the urgency. For anyone who owns one of these vehicles, it’s worth checking the VIN today rather than putting it off.
