Stellantis recalls 285,000 sedans due to possible broken side airbag inflators.

CNN
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Stellantis is recalling approximately 285,000 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans in the United States due to side curtain airbags that could rupture and send metal shards flying through the cabin.

Air bag inflators rely on a chemical reaction that produces a gas that quickly inflates the air bag. Moisture may have gotten inside the blowers installed in some 2018 through 2021 Charger and 300 models in the manufacturing process. This water can lead to internal corrosion and possibly cracks in the inflator, he says documents Stellantis has filed an application with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Charger and 300 are two large sedans that share most of their architecture. The airbag inflators used in this recall were not installed in any other Stellantis models, according to the documents.

While the situation is similar to the one that led to millions being recalled Takata airbag inflators Used in many different vehicles, this problem appears to be unrelated.

Starting in early May, Stellantis will mail letters to Charger and 300 vehicle owners who may be experiencing the problem. Owners will be directed to bring their vehicles to the dealership to have the side airbags on both sides of the vehicle replaced. The work will be performed free of charge to owners, and people who may have already replaced their side airbags will be reimbursed for the cost.

Stellantis is not aware of any accidents or injuries resulting from this problems. There have been five known cases in which airbag inflators exploded. In each case, they were in parked vehicles where the interior temperature reached more than 120 degrees, which can happen, especially in hot weather.