FCA US Recalls 317,589 Chrysler 300s and Dodge Chargers For Curtain Airbags

Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) is recalling approximately 317,589 units of its 2018 to 2021 Chrysler 300 (LX) and Dodge Charger (LD) sedans.

Some of the above vehicles may have been built with a Side Airbag Inflatable Curtain (SABIC) inflator that may rupture. A SABIC inflator rupture may result in compressed gas rapidly escaping from the inflator and material potentially being propelled into the vehicle. Material being propelled into an occupied vehicle may cause injury.

According to the recall, there are 284,982 units in the U.S., 10,285 in Canada, 3,502 in Mexico, and 18,820 in certain markets outside North America.

The suspect period began on July 5, 2018, when SABICs with suspect inflators were introduced into vehicle production, through May 20, 2021, on the Charger (May 21, 2021, on the 300), when SABICs with suspect inflators were no longer used in vehicle production. The vehicle population was determined through SABIC inflator traceability records and vehicle production records.

Joyson Safety Systems from Auburn Hills, Michigan, was the supplier.

Recall Chronology – 

• On February 17, 2023, the FCA US LLC (“FCA US”) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (“TSRC”) organization opened an investigation into some 2018-2021 MY Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles that may have been built with a suspect SABIC inflator that may rupture.

• From February 17, 2023, through February 20, 2024, FCA US TSRC conducted an analysis of SABIC inflator ruptures and determined that the affected vehicles may have had moisture introduced into the inflator during supplier manufacturing that may cause internal corrosion over time and potentially leading to Stress Corrosion Cracking (“SCC”) in the inflator.

• As of February 21, 2024, FCA US is aware of five customer assistance records, two warranty claims, and 0 field reports potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from February 17, 2023, to February 12, 2024.

• As of February 21, 2024, FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially relating to this issue for all markets.

• On March 7, 2024, FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

Dealers will replace both side curtain airbags free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 3, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is 19B.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov.