2003 Dodge Ram 1500s Takata Air Bag Fatality Prompts FCA to Issue Do Not Drive

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.

James Douglas2003 Dodge Ram 1500s Takata Air Bag Fatality Prompts FCA to Issue Do Not Drive

Ford recalls Ranger pickups again over non-inflating airbags, injury risk

Dearborn, MI – May 14, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall that expands and supersedes the one below after it found more vehicles were affected by this issue than originally thought. If your Ranger already had its airbag replaced, please contact your dealer to see if you need a new remedy or an inspection.

Dearborn, MI – March 18, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is issuing a recall for 98,550 2004–2006 Ranger pickup trucks because the passenger airbags on these vehicles were not installed correctly after a series of previous recalls. This increases the risk of an injury in a crash as the airbag may not inflate.

Recall summary

The front passenger airbag rapidly inflates when a crash is detected, shielding the occupant from directly hitting the dashboard or windshield.   

In the affected vehicles, the airbag inflator – which is what is responsible for the airbag going off – was improperly installed following several Takata airbag recalls.

Recall risks

The airbag may not inflate in a crash, increasing the likelihood of injury.

Background of the recall 

There was a Ford Ranger recall in December 2017 due to the degradation of airbags made by Takata. In 2018, the manufacturer recalled additional vehicles whose inflators were also at risk of rupturing.

By November 2022, Ford initiated an investigation into the repairs following reports that the replacement airbag inflators were improperly installed. This resulted in the present recall.

Other Ford recalls

In November 2022, Ford recalled Bronco SUVs due to the dashboard screen’s failure to display the rearview image whenever the Reverse gear is engaged.

In January 2023, Ford issued a recall for Lincoln Navigator and Lincoln Corsair SUVs due to a defective chime that drivers may not hear when being prompted to wear their seat belts.   

The repair

Dealers will reinstall the front passenger airbag inflator free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was officially announced. 

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by March 31, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 98,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford airbag inflator recall. To see if your vehicle is among them, run a Ford recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Ranger pickups again over non-inflating airbags, injury risk

Volkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags

Auburn Hills, MI – February 5, 2023 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) is recalling 37,558 cars over an ongoing Takata airbag issue. The issue has resulted in close to 30 deaths and at least 400 injuries due to the propensity of these airbags to explode when deployed in a crash.

The recall comes on the back of a U.S. government investigation and affects the following vehicles:

  • 2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2015 – 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Recall summary  

The inflator, a pyrotechnic device that sets off the driver side airbag, might break apart during deployment because it contains Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical.” PSAN degrades after exposure to fluctuating temperatures and humidity, among other factors.

The resulting explosion can send sharp metal fragments flying through the cabin, increasing the risk of an injury. 

Recall risks

With more than 42 million cars being recalled over Takata airbag issues so far, all risks have already been well documented and thoroughly described

Background of the recall

These airbags were made by Takata, a now-defunct Japanese manufacturer which is best-known for being the culprit behind the largest recall in the automotive history. The recall is part of 187 recalls that have come out of an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) into airbag explosions.

About a year ago, Volkswagen paid out a $42 million settlement to current and former owners of Audi and Volkswagen cars with Takata airbags for lost wages, childcare and other related expenses that came on the back of Takata recalls. However, the cars that are part of this recall were not included in the settlement.

Other Volkswagen recalls

Coincidently, one of the latest Volkswagen Beetle recalls, which dates back to January 2021, was caused by the same Takata airbag issue.  

More recently, in November of last year, Volkswagen recalled nearly a quarter of a million vehicles over a faulty tire pressure monitoring system

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag with an upgraded one, which is not susceptible to moisture-driven degradation. The repair is free of charge. 

Vehicle owners will be notified on February 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Volkswagen airbag recall affects almost 40,000 Beetles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls Beetles due to exploding Takata airbags

Volkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Auburn Hills, MI  – July 17, 2022 – Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY), which owns the Audi brand, is recalling 28,624 sedans over an issue with airbags made by Takata. These airbags may either explode and propel metal fragments toward passengers or fail to inflate as intended. Both situations increase the risk of an injury during a crash.

This recall comes on the heels of an ongoing U.S government investigation, which has seen over 2.5 million vehicles being recalled so far. It is, however, different from the much larger Takata airbag recalls which are caused by a different type of inflator.

This latest recall covers the following models:

  • 1998 Audi A8
  • 1997 – 1998 Audi A4

Recall summary

Because of a manufacturing issue, the airbag inflator can absorb moisture. This can cause it to either deploy slowly during a crash or rupture and send metal shards flying toward vehicle occupants. 

The component behind this recall is the “the driver airbag inflator” with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. 

Different Takata issues, same risks

Even though this recall is technically different from the “much larger and ongoing Takata airbag recall” – which has resulted in at least 28 deaths and 400 injuries – it presents the same risks.

The difference stems from the type of inflator which is used in these airbags. The inflator which is responsible for deploying this particular type of bag is called the Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflator (NADI). Unlike the Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (PSAN) – which is considered a “highly combustible and unstable chemical”  – NADI inflators were deemed generally safe until 2019.

However, that year, Takata issued a recall for NADI inflators saying that they too had the potential to rupture and hurt car occupants with metal shrapnel. 

So far, the issue has resulted in at least two deaths and several serious injuries and has caused nine recalls across five different manufactures, including this one. 

It is also subject to an ongoing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. 

Recall risks

Improperly inflating airbags can provide insufficient cushioning during a crash, and exploding airbags may send shrapnel into the cabin. Either problem could result in injury or death.

Background of this recall

The Audi A8 and Audi A4 recalled cars should have been included in a larger 2020 recall, but were omitted due to a “clerical error.”

Other Volkswagen and Audi recalls

This recall is similar to previous Volkswagen Takata airbag recalls. Some newer Audi models have also suffered from airbag failures, although this issue has a different cause.

The repair

Dealers will replace suspected airbag inflators with updated ones. This repair will be free of charge. Audi has already notified affected owners of the recall. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Audi airbag recall affects more than 20,000 vehicles. To do a Volkswagen recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicVolkswagen recalls vehicles with exploding airbags

Volkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Miami, FL – December 19, 2021 – Volkswagen and Audi (OTCMKTS: VWAGY) have agreed to pay out $42 million dollars in a settlement with current and former car owners whose vehicles were built with potentially deadly Takata airbags. 

The settlement includes  some of the following vehicles:

  • 2009 – 2017 Volkswagen CC
  • 2012 – 2019 Volkswagen Beetle
  • 2006 – 2013 Audi A3
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Avant
  • 2007 – 2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet
  • 2005 – 2008 Audi A4 Sedan
  • 2010 – 2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet
  • 2006 – 2011 Audi A6 Avant
  • 2005 – 2011 Audi A6 Sedan
  • 2017 Audi R8 Coupe
  • 2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
  • 2007 – 2008 Audi RS 4 Sedan

Settlement summary  

The $42-million dollar settlement was reached in November and is the result of a 2014 class action lawsuit against Volkswagen and Audi for selling or leasing vehicles built with defective Takata airbags. The lawsuit sought to recover damages for the risks and costs owners and lessees incurred during Audi and Volkswagen airbag recalls. 

The settlement affects current or former owners or lessees of the vehicles that were all subject to the infamous  Takata airbag recall, which has affected about 100 million airbags worldwide.  The current owners must have bought the car by November 10, 2021 while the former owners must have sold or returned their vehicle after February 9, 2016.

All cars must have been bought or leased in the U.S. or a U.S. territory. For a full list of vehicles, please visit this page. To check if your car is subject to a recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

The settlement

To receive settlement funds, you will need to fill out a claim form and send it to a settlement administrator. The form, and more instructions, can be found here.

The settlement is still subject to a final approval by the United States District Court in the Southern District of Florida. The hearing to approve it is expected to be held in early March.

The payment

Those who had to pay for transportation, towing, childcare or lost wages during the Volkswagen and Audi airbag recall may be eligible for reimbursement and potentially two payments of up to $250 later on. Those with no expenses are still eligible to receive up to $500.

Risks

Takata airbags contain an inflator that is at risk of exploding when the airbag is deployed. Exploding inflators pose a serious threat to the safety of car occupants, sending sharp shrapnel flying at drivers’ and passengers’ bodies. Reuters reported that as of September this year, Takata airbags had killed 28 people and injured over 400 worldwide. 

Other Takata airbag recall settlements

Audi and Volkswagen are not the first automakers to settle a suit over the defective airbags. The following car companies have settled class action lawsuits with current and former owners:

  • BMW, $131 million
  • Ford, $299.1 million
  • Honda, $605 million
  • Mazda, $75.8 million
  • Nissan, $97.7 million
  • Subaru, $68.2 million
  • Toyota, $278.5 million

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

According to court documents, 35% of recalled Takata inflators in Volkswagen and Audi vehicles still need repairs. To see if your car is one of them, run a VW recall check with MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandVolkswagen and Audi to p​​ay $42 million Takata airbag settlement

Volkswagen recalls Audi cars with faulty Takata inflators

Auburn Hills, MI – September 3, 2021 – The Volkswagen Group (OTCMKTS:VWAGY) has recalled 62,812 vehicles over a concern that the airbags may not properly deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of a serious injury or death. The affected vehicles include:

  • 2000 – 2001 Audi TT, including Roadster and Coupe cars
  • 2000 – 2002 Audi S4
  • 2000 – 2002 Audi A4

The affected part is a Takata Non-Azide Driver Airbag Inflators (NADI) with part numbers 4B0.951.403 and 4B0.951.403 A. This recall is different from the ongoing Takata airbag recall and serves as an expansion of a previous recall for some of the same models issued in February 2020.

Recall summary

The recall stems from a faulty airbag inflator that may slow down the deployment of the driver airbag in the event of a crash. Alternatively, the inflator may cause excessive pressure when inflating the airbag.

The exact cause of the defect is unclear but is thought to stem from a variety of factors, including “manufacturing variations [and] climatic conditions.” There have been no reported cases of delayed inflation of the airbag in the affected models. 

As reported, the NADI airbags have a defect that is similar to – but separate from – the larger Takata airbag recall, which involves a different type of inflator.  That larger recall has affected millions of vehicles across the country and stems from faulty airbags inflators that can rupture during deployment, hurling metal shrapnel at the car occupants. 

Risks

The driver’s airbag plays a vital role in mitigating a serious upper-body injury in the event of a crash. In the event that it does not deploy, there is a higher risk of an injury for the driver.

On the flip side – although Audi does not state this explicitly – if the airbag deploys too forcefully, the inflator may burst and maim or kill the car occupants with its fragments, as reported.

Similar Audi airbag recalls

Over the last couple of years, Volkswagen has issued multiple recalls to replace Takata airbag inflators, including one in January of this year for over 100,000 of Beetle compact and convertible cars.

Some of the Audi models in this recall, including the Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, and A4, were also recalled in February 2020, for the same issue.  

The repair

The driver’s side airbag will be replaced with an alternative, newly designed inflator that uses a different propellant, which is a substance that is used to inflate the airbag. Owners were set to be notified on August 20, 2021, and are slated to receive a second notification once the parts become available in mid-October.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

An airbag that fails to deploy correctly is a serious hazard. To find out if your car is affected by this Audi recall, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Vishal VenugopalVolkswagen recalls Audi cars with faulty Takata inflators

BMW recalls cars over Takata airbag malfunction

Westwood, NJ – July 2, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 4,511 cars equipped with faulty Takata airbag inflators that may cause the airbag malfunction during a crash. This may result in the driver-side airbag exploding during an accident, hurting the driver with metal shrapnel. It may also cause the airbag to become under-inflated, failing to protect the driver from injuries in a crash.

The affected component is the driver-side airbag with multiple part numbers, including 1095767 and 1095763.

BMW will pull Takata airbags from BMW 3 series vehicles, including: 

  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 3 Series
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 323CI
  • 1999 – 2000 BMW 323i
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 325Ci
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 328Ci
  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 328i
  • 2000 – 2001 BMW 330Ci
  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 330i
  • 1999 – 2001 BMW 330xi
  • 2001 BMW 323 i

Recall summary  

The recalled BMWs’ airbags contain Non-Azide Driver Inflators (NADI), which  have been subjected to several recalls since 2019. The recalled inflators may have a faulty seal, allowing moisture to get into the inflator and degrade the explosive chemicals inside

The NADI airbags have a defect that is similar to – but separate from – the larger Takata airbag recall. That larger recall has affected millions of vehicles across the country, and cost BMW 131 million dollars in a 2017 BMW Takata class action settlement. 

Previous recall

The airbags in question were inspected under a series of prior recalls in 2019, but not replaced. At least one of the prior recalls was associated with several injuries and a fatality outside of the U.S.

Risks

When moisture degrades the explosives in the inflator, the airbag inflator could generate more or less force during deployment than it should. Too much force will explode the airbag inflator, sending dangerous shrapnel through the vehicle, potentially maiming or killing occupants. Too little force will under-inflate the airbag, which could fail to protect someone during a crash, increasing the risk of injury or death.

Some of the BMWs recalled in 2019 were considered so dangerous that BMW instructed owners to not drive the car until the repair was completed.  This time, BMW is telling owners that they can continue to drive the car, but is also imploring owners to schedule a free recall repair appointment as soon as slots become available.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator with a newly designed inflator for free. BMW will notify owners about the recall by mail starting on July 19.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,500 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls cars over Takata airbag malfunction

Ford and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Dearborn, MI and Washington, D.C. March 23, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) and Mazda (OTCMKTS:MZDAY) have begun recalls of 2,608,515 vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata airbags whose inflators could explode, injuring or killing drivers and passengers. This latest Takata airbag recall includes:

  • 2007 – 2011 Ford Ranger pickups
  • 2007 – 2009 Mazda B Series pickups
  • 2006 – 2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2006 – 2012 Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans
  • 2006 – 2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2007 – 2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007 – 2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs

The vast majority of the recalled vehicles are Fords; the Mazda models in this recall were built by Ford due to a past relationship between the two companies.

Recall summary  

This Takata airbag recall is caused by faulty airbag inflators that can degrade over time and rupture when the airbags are deployed, sending shrapnel flying into vehicle occupants. Worldwide, these explosions have killed 27 people and have injured over 400.

The recall follows on the heels of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rejecting the automakers’ petition not to recall these vehicles.

The inflators explode because of repeated exposure to high humidity and “high temperatures” and despite the addition of a desiccant, or a drying agent, that is meant to minimize the risk.

Risks

The risks involved in this recall are similar to those in a recent Volkswagen Takata airbag recall, which we cover in this previous article.

Other Takata airbag recalls

Over 66 million Takata airbags have been recalled in recent years in what amounts to the largest recall in the automotive history up-to-date. Just this year alone, General Motors recalled 6 million vehicles equipped with these potentially lethal airbags. 

Some of the cars involved in earlier rounds of recalls should NOT be driven at all. See the full list here.

The repair

Ford, Lincoln and Mazda dealers will replace the defective airbags with one that does not contain ammonium nitrate. The dealer will not charge for this service.

It is not clear when the parts will be available.

Ford and Lincoln owners should receive recall notifications with more instructions as early as April 1; Mazda owners can expect theirs to arrive by May 9. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 2.6 million vehicles are included in these Ford and Mazda recalls. To do a Mazda or Ford recall check, enter your VIN into MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandFord and Mazda begin 2.6 million-vehicle-strong Takata airbag recall

Ford recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

Dearborn, MI – February 19, 2021 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 154,224 vehicles that may have had dangerous Takata airbag inflators installed again after undergoing a recall for this same issue. These inflators are at risk of exploding and hurling shrapnel that could injure or kill vehicle occupants. There are two separate recalls for this issue. The first includes:

  • 2004-2011 Ford Ranger trucks
  • 2005-2014 Ford Mustang sports cars
  • 2008-2012 Ford Fusion sedans
  • 2009-2011 Mercury Milan sedans
  • 2010-2012 Lincoln MKZ luxury sedans
  • 2007-2010 Ford Edge SUVs
  • 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX luxury SUVs
  • 2006 Ford GT sports cars

The second recall includes:

  • 2004-2006 Ford Ranger trucks

Recall summary  

Ford dealers may have accidentally installed airbags containing these potentially lethal inflators during repairs for collision or theft damage after a recall related to this same issue was completed. It is not clear which particular Takata recall the company is referring to since many of these models were subjects to different recalls, albeit for the same issue.

These airbags were supposed to have been purged from Ford’s stock of replacement parts once new, safe ones became available. However, instead of that, they may have been put in 1,117 vehicles that comprise the first group. In the case of the second group, only 45 of over 150,000 cars contain the inflators but it is not clear which ones. Therefore, at the behest of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Ford is issuing a recall to address the issue.

Risks

Worldwide, Takata airbag inflators have killed at least 27 people, including two that ruptured and killed people riding in 2006 Ford Rangers.

A Ford spokesperson told Consumer Reports that none of the Ford Rangers in this recall are on the “Do not Drive” list of cars considered to be exceptionally high-risk. However, certain Ford Rangers are indeed on that list. You can check to see if your car is one of them here.

You can read more about the problems with Takata inflators in this article about GM’s recent Takata airbag recall. 

The repair

Ford dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace vehicles airbag inflators for free. Recall notifications go out the week of March 8, and will include more information about when and how to seek repairs.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 154,000 vehicles are included in this Ford recall. As of April 29, 2021, – the last date information was available – 5,693 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: July 17, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have updated the number of cars that have been replaced to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandFord recalls over 150,000 cars that may have Takata airbags installed

General Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall

December 2, 2021 UPDATE – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has remedied 248,214 models including the 2014 Chevy Silverado 2500. No vehicles have been deemed unreachable but 1,373 vehicles have been removed from the recall of the GM Takata Airbag Recall.

Warren, MI – February 15,  2021 – General Motors (NYSE:GM) has begun a series of recalls of nearly 6 million vehicles built with potentially dangerous Takata airbags. This particular recall covers 1,778,128 vehicles, and includes the following models:

  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2007-2014 Cadillac Escalade ESV
  • 2007-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Avalanche
  • 2007-2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
  • 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2007-2014 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2009-2014 GMC Sierra 2500
  • 2009-2014 GMC Sierra 3500
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon
  • 2007-2014 GMC Yukon XL

Recall summary  

The recalled vehicles were built with Takata airbag inflators that, due to damage from moisture, may explode when the airbags are deployed. If the inflator explodes, its metal casing can fragment into shrapnel that could fly into drivers’ and passengers’ bodies, possibly maiming or killing them. This December article explains in more depth why the U.S. government ordered General Motors to recall these vehicles

Repair

Recalled GM vehicles are divided into five priority groups, labeled priority group 6 through priority group 10. Owners of the vehicles in group 6 – whose cars are older and were sold or registered in the hottest parts of the country –  will be notified by mail when repair is available in early March. Consumers in groups 7-10 – that are considered lower risk – will be advised of the recall in late February, but it is not clear when the repair will be available.

However, consumers in both categories may be able to receive a repair earlier by contacting their dealer.

Use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool to see if your car is affected and to connect with an authorized dealership.

All repairs will be free of charge.

Risks

Exploding inflators pose a significant danger to vehicle occupants. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has confirmed that Takata inflators have killed at least 18 people in the U.S. and at least nine more abroad. 

You can find some broad recommendations for owners of affected cars – including a list of cars that should NOT be driven – in this article detailing the background of this GM recall.

Other GM airbag inflator recalls

In December, GM recalled Chevy Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks, as well as GMC Sierra 2500, 1500 and 3500 pickups whose roof airbag inflators could shoot off an end cap, potentially injuring occupants or distracting them.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 1.7 million vehicles were originally included in this Takata / GM airbag recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date information was available – 104,212 airbags had been replaced.  To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.

Note: July 17, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have updated the number of cars that have been replaced to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Rebecca RandGeneral Motors begins government-ordered Takata airbag recall