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

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

July 11, 2023 James Douglas ,

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
Honda recalls vehicles with failing rearview cameras

Honda recalls vehicles with failing rearview cameras 

July 9, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Torrance, CA  – July 9, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC) is recalling close to 1.2 million vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera display. This ups the risk of a crash, injury or property damage. 

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2018 – 2023 Honda Odyssey 
  • 2019 – 2023 Honda Passport
  • 2019 – 2022 Honda Pilot

Recall summary  

When the reverse gear is engaged, the dashboard shows a video feed of the vehicle’s rear. That feed is powered by a cable which, due to a supplier error, was improperly designed in the affected vehicles. That may result in poor or lost video feeds.

Recall risks

All risks caused by a defective rearview camera connection are explained in this article about a similar Ford recall.  

Warning signs 

Users may observe “crackling sounds” coming from the audio display unit. The display may also noticeably flicker while in use.  

Other Honda recalls

In December 2022, Honda recalled over 117,000 2017–2019 Ridgeline pickup trucks over a similar issue. 

Just yesterday, there was a Honda Pilot recall due to the risk of brake failure, as reported. The recall also included other vehicles.

The repair

Dealers will replace the cable free of charge.     

Owners will be notified by August 2, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 1.2 million vehicles are affected by this Honda rearview camera recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloHonda recalls vehicles with failing rearview cameras 
Honda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail

Honda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail

July 8, 2023 Bojan Popic ,

Torrance, CA – July 8, 2023 – Honda (NYSE:HMC), which owns the Acura brand, is recalling 124,077 cars whose brakes may fail. This impacts the vehicle’s ability to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The list of the affected vehicles includes: 

  • 2020 Acura MDX
  • 2020 – 2021 Honda Civic
  • 2021 – 2023 Honda Passport
  • 2021 – 2022 Honda Pilot
  • 2020 – 2023 Honda Ridgeline

Recall summary  

The brake pedal in a car is powered by the master cylinder, which generates the pressure necessary for the brake to work. The operation of the brake is also helped by a booster, which multiplies the force generated by the driver’s foot, reducing the necessary physical effort. 

In the affected cars, the brake master cylinder was incorrectly bolted to the brake booster. As a result, the two parts may separate, which would “cause the loss of brake function.”

Recall risks

An unexpected loss of brake function would dramatically increase the odds of a crash.

Other Honda recalls

In April 2023, Honda recalled more than half a million CR-V SUVs whose suspensions may detach because of corrosion. 

More than 117,000 Honda Ridgeline pickups were recalled in December 2022 because their rearview cameras failed to display an image, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the booster assembly, if necessary, be free of charge.

Owners will be notified on August 7, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 120,000 cars and light pickup trucks are affected by this Honda failing brakes recall. To do a Honda recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicHonda recalls vehicles whose brakes may fail
Kia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist

Kia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist

July 2, 2023 Bojan Popic

Irvine, CA – July 2, 2023 – Kia (OTCMKTS:KIMTF), is recalling 98,944 2023 Kia Sportage SUVs because their power brake assistance may fail. This would make the vehicles harder to stop, upping the risk of a crash and injury. The recall comes on the heels of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

The power braking in the listed vehicles is done by a brake booster. In the SUVs affected by this recall the brake booster may develop an internal leak reducing its stopping power. 

Recall risks

The defect increases stopping distance, which augments the risk of a crash and injury. 

Background of the recall  

The recall comes on the back of at least 73 customer complaints about the issue. No injuries or crashes have been reported.

Warning signs

The loss of brake boost assist “can result in hard pedal feel and increased effort during pedal application.”

Other Kia recalls

In April 2023, Kia recalled minivans over a sliding door issue, as reported.

In February 2023, a batch of Telluride midsize SUVs was recalled because their airbags would fail to deploy.

Separately, millions of Kia and Hyundai cars are subject to an ongoing U.S. government investigation due to multiple instances of car fires, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the brake boosters free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 21, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 100,000 UVs are affected by this Kia brake booster recall. To do a Kia recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicKia recalls SUVs for loss of brake boost assist
Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss

July 1, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – July 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 331,401 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs because a part of their rear suspension may break off. This may cause the vehicle to become unstable and may also lead to road debris, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Recall summary  

The spring coil is a flexible component of the vehicle’s suspension, which allows the wheels to go up and down over the bumps. In the affected SUVs, however, the springs at the rear were fitted incorrectly and may fall out of their position. This could cause the rear suspension to break and could also create road debris for other vehicles.

Recall risks

A broken suspension can make the vehicle unstable and difficult to control, upping the chances of a crash and injury.  In addition, other vehicles on the road could come upon the broken coils and crash.

Other Jeep recalls

Just a few days ago, Jeep recalled hybrid Cherokees over the risk of stalling. 

Earlier this year, in April, a batch of Jeeps was recalled because their transmission may overheat and cause the vehicle to catch fire. 

The repair

Dealers will repair the rear springs free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 300,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep rear spring coil recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Cherokee SUVs over stability loss
Ford recalls F-150 electric pickups over faulty reverse lights

Ford recalls F-150 electric pickups over faulty reverse lights   

June 25, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI  – June 25, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) is recalling 16,375 2022–2023 F-150 Lightning battery electric vehicles (BEV) due to a problem with the rear lights, which could increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, the rear light bar mounted on the tailgate may sustain damage during assembly or due to extreme loads on the tailgate in low temperatures. This could lead to microcracks forming on the lens, allowing moisture to enter the light assembly and cause the lights to either flicker or stop working altogether.       

Recall risks

Improperly working reverse lights may fail to notify other road users of the driver’s intentions, causing them to be unaware that the vehicle is reversing. This may lead to a crash or an injury.

Other Ford recalls

In May 2023, Ford recalled 2004–2006 Ranger pickups over airbags failing to deploy in a crash. This was the second recall announced for the issue, following a previous one made in March 2023.   

Earlier this month, Ford also announced that it was recalling 29,607 vehicles including the Ford Bronco, Ford Ranger and Ford Super Duty over faulty load labels, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the faulty reverse light bar with a new unit free of charge. Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced.  

Owners will be notified by June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 16,000 electric pickups are affected by this Ford reverse light recall. To do a Ford recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls F-150 electric pickups over faulty reverse lights   
Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall

Stellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall

June 24, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – June 24, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand is recalling 12,458 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee hybrids because they may shut down. The resulting loss of power ups the risk of a crash and injury. The recall comes on the back of multiple customer complaints.

Recall summary  

All listed SUVs are plug-in hybrids fitted with a 2-liter engine and an electric motor. Their drive-related functions are managed by a computer called the hybrid control unit (HCU). Due to unknown reasons, the communication between the transmission and HCU may be lost. This may lead to the vehicle stalling with no warning.

Recall risks

Unexpected engine shutdown may cause a loss of motive power. In fact, leading up to the recall, the manufacturer received “seven customer assistance records, 10 warranty claims, and six field reports” about the stall.

No injuries or accidents have been reported.

Other Jeep recalls

Earlier this month, a large batch of Cherokee SUVs was recalled over a risk of fire, as reported.

Last April, over 45,000 Jeep and RAM vehicles were recalled also because of the risk of stalling.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the engine’s software. This repair will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on July 28, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 12,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep engine recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep Cherokees that may stall
Mercedes recalls hybrids that may stall

Mercedes recalls hybrids that may stall

June 18, 2023 Aleksandra Snesareva

Jacksonville, FL  – June 18, 2023 – Mercedes-Benz (OTCMKTS:MBGYY) is recalling 8,281 cars because they may lose power, increasing the risk of a crash.

The following luxury hybrid sedans and SUVs are affected:

  • 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG EQE
  • 2022 – 2023  Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS
  • 2022 – 2023  Mercedes-Benz EQS 450
  • 2022 – 2023  Mercedes-Benz EQS 580

Recall summary  

Due to a software error, the vehicles’ drivetrain may deactivate. This may result in the car losing power unexpectedly.

Recall risks

All of the associated risks are described in a recent article about a similar Stellantis recall.

Other Mercedes-Benz recalls

Some of the model-years involved in this recall were recalled earlier this month due to another software error which may cause them to lose stability and result in the loss of anti-lock brakes, as reported.

In April 2023, the manufacturer issued a third recall over a water leak which may cause a fire, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by updating the software on the affected vehicles free of charge.

Owners should receive correspondence with more information by August 4, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 8,000 cars are affected by this Mercedes software error recall. To do a Mercedes-Benz recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Aleksandra SnesarevaMercedes recalls hybrids that may stall
Ford recalls SUVs, pickups over faulty load labels

Ford recalls SUVs, pickups over faulty load labels

June 17, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – June 17, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 29,607 vehicles over inaccurate weight labels, which could lead users to overload the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following models:

  • 2022–2023 Ford Bronco
  • 2019–2023 Ford Ranger   
  • 2023 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Recall summary

The tire & loading information (TREAD) label – usually located on the “driver’s side door edge” – shows users maximum loads that a vehicle can safely carry.  

The affected vehicles carry the wrong label which may result in them being overloaded.

Recall risks

Excessive loads that can compromise the vehicle’s stability and control, increasing the risk of an accident.  

Other Ford recalls

In December 2022, Ford recalled 18,808 SD pickup trucks over the risk of stalling or rolling away, as reported.

In May 2023, the manufacturer issued a second recall for 232,000 Ranger pickups with non-inflating airbags, also as reported.

Finally, just last week, over 175,000 Bronco SUVs were recalled due to unaccessible seat belt latches.

The repair

The manufacturer will mail the owners of the affected vehicles updated labels with the correct information. Owners can also go to the nearest dealership to have them put on free-of-charge.

Letters with more information will be mailed by July 12, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 29,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford TREAD label issue. To run a Ford recall check or check for more Ford recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls SUVs, pickups over faulty load labels
Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over inaccessible seat belt latches

Ford recalls Bronco SUVs over inaccessible seat belt latches

June 11, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Dearborn, MI – June 11, 2023 – Ford (NYSE:F) has issued a recall for 175,550 2021-2023 Bronco SUVs due to an issue which could prevent the car occupants from using seat belts, leading to a higher risk of injury. The issue affects models that have the 5-door body style.   

Recall summary

The seat belt latch plate connects to the buckle, securing the seat belt and occupant in place while the vehicle is moving. The latch plate is stowed away when not in use to protect it from damage.

In the affected vehicles, users may be unable to reach the stowed latch plates on the front seat belts. This could prevent them from using seat belts when traveling aboard the vehicle.      

Recall risks

If occupants are unable to use the seat belts, this places them at risk of injury as they will be unsecured in their seats when a crash occurs.  

Other Ford recalls

In June 2022, 2021-2022 Ford Bronco SUVs were also the subject of a recall by Ford, due to a faulty child safety lock that increases the risk of injury to smaller occupants, as reported.

In November 2022, the same vehicles were recalled due to an an issue with the rearview display that continued to show the rear camera image even when Reverse gear was no longer engaged, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will attach a sliding clip stop to the driver and front passenger seat belts, making them more accessible for use by occupants. The remedy will be performed free of charge, and Ford will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by July 6, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 175,000 vehicles are affected by this Ford front seat belt issue. To run a Ford recall check or check for more Ford recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloFord recalls Bronco SUVs over inaccessible seat belt latches
Recall Lookup
Enter your vehicle(s) below to check the current recall status.

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories