July 11, 2023 | Washington, DC
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently confirmed another fatality linked to the Takata recall, specifically in a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. This tragic incident marks the first Takata air bag fatality involving an exploding passenger-side inflator. Additionally, it is the first case reported in the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 model, which was among the 385,686 vehicles recalled in 2015 due to the dangerous Takata air bag defect.
Approximately 84,000 of these Dodge Ram 1500 trucks remain unrepaired, and as a result, put their occupants in considerable danger of severe injury or even death. It is crucial that if you are the owner of one of these unrepaired 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles, you must avoid driving until the Takata recall is fully addressed and your defective Takata air bag is replaced.
The recent Takata recall fatality raises the total count to 26 within the United States. It is an urgent matter that all vehicle owners check immediately for open Takata recalls. If your vehicle is under recall, we advise you to arrange the necessary repair as soon as possible.
NHTSA’s Acting Administrator, Ann Carlson, emphasized the escalating danger posed by aging defective Takata air bags. “The older a defective Takata air bag inflator becomes, the higher the risk it presents. We strongly urge you to have your air bag replaced immediately, not just for your safety, but also for the well-being of your loved ones,” said Carlson. “Please don’t put yourself or your loved ones in the line of danger due to a faulty, recalled Takata air bag. The repairs are completely free and could very well save your life.”
The NHTSA is urging all vehicle owners to check immediately if their vehicle is subject to a Takata air bag recall. If the vehicle is affected, owners should contact their dealership to schedule a FREE repair as soon as possible, and strictly adhere to any warnings from the vehicle manufacturer.
It’s crucial to remember that even minor crashes can result in devastating consequences due to the exploding Takata air bags, potentially leading to fatal or horrific injuries. Older model year vehicles, like the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, expose their occupants to a higher risk, as the age of the air bag plays a significant role in the danger it poses.
Vehicle owners who prefer talking to the manufacturer directly can call the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Takata Call Center at 833-585-0144 or go to the manufacturer’s website.
If you think your vehicle may have a safety defect that isn’t part of a current recall, contact NHTSA. Contact NHTSA online or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. For more information, visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
