US carmakers Chrysler and Dodge have recalled more than 300,000 cars globally, after discovering two of their most popular sedans are fitted with airbag inflators which could rupture and seriously injure or kill occupants.
The recall affects 317,589 examples of the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans built between 2018 and 2021.
Of these, Stellantis – the parent company of Chrysler and Dodge – has confirmed approximately 285,000 were sold in the US, almost 10,300 in Canada, 3500 in Mexico and about 18,800 in “certain markets outside North America”.
A spokesperson for the Australian division of Stellantis told CarExpert the brand’s statement encompassed Australia, but couldn’t specify if or how many vehicles were impacted locally.
The Chrysler 300 generation under recall overseas was officially sold in Australia from mid-2018 until late 2021, though stock of the sedan remained until March 2023 when the last new example was sold.
“A routine review of customer feedback led to a Company investigation that discovered certain vehicles may have been equipped with SABIC inflators that had moisture introduced during supplier manufacturing,” Stellantis said in its media statement.
“This may lead to stress corrosion and potential rupture. Should this occur, inflator material may be discharged inside the vehicle and cause injury.”
The faulty inflators are found in the inflatable side curtain airbags in the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.
Stellantis noted “[the] inflators do not use the same propellant or inflator design as previously recalled Takata air bags”.
“The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents; of five incidents investigated, all occurred when the vehicle’s interior temperature exceeded 120 [degrees Fahrenheit] (48 degrees Celsius),” it said.
According to VFACTS reports, a total of 1016 Chrysler 300s were sold in Australia between the start of 2018 and the end of 2023, though a specific number of how many cars – if any – are affected by the airbag inflator fault is yet to be confirmed.
While the Dodge Charger has also been sold in Australia, this has been through private imports and third-party companies performing right-hand drive conversions – rather than the Chrysler 300 which rolled off the production line ready for sale locally.
MORE: Everything Chrysler
MORE: Everything Dodge
MORE: How to sell your car with CarExpert
