The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an urgent safety warning regarding unrepaired Takata airbags in certain vehicles, particularly highlighting the critical danger for owners of the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. A recent tragic fatality, the first involving a passenger-side Takata inflator rupture, occurred in a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, underscoring the potentially lethal risk. This incident marks the 26th confirmed Takata-related death in the United States, making it imperative for all vehicle owners, especially those with older models like the Dodge Ram 1500, to take immediate action.
This affected Dodge Ram 1500 was part of the 2015 recall affecting 385,686 vehicles. Alarmingly, NHTSA estimates that approximately 84,000 of these recalled pickup trucks, including the Dodge Ram 1500, remain unrepaired. These unrepaired Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles pose a significant threat to their occupants, with a high risk of serious injury or death in even minor collisions. If you own a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 or are unsure about your vehicle’s recall status, DO NOT DRIVE IT until you have confirmed that the recall repair has been completed and the defective airbag has been replaced.
“The risk associated with defective Takata airbags increases with time,” stated NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. “It is absolutely vital that if your vehicle is under recall for a Takata airbag, you get it repaired immediately – for your safety and the safety of your loved ones. These repairs are provided FREE of charge and are crucial to prevent potential tragedy.”
NHTSA strongly urges all vehicle owners to immediately check if their vehicle, especially Dodge Ram 1500 models from the early 2000s, is subject to an open Takata airbag recall. If your Dodge Ram 1500 is on the recall list, contact your local dealership without delay to schedule a FREE repair. Adhere to any warnings issued by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the manufacturer of Dodge Ram 1500, regarding the recall.
Even seemingly minor accidents can trigger the dangerous Takata airbags to explode,射出 metal fragments that can cause fatal or life-altering injuries. Older vehicles, such as the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, are at a higher risk due to the age-related degradation of the airbag inflators.
Is Your Dodge Ram 1500 Affected? How to Check for Recalls
For Dodge Ram 1500 owners who wish to speak directly with the manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Takata Call Center can be reached at 833-585-0144. You can also visit the Mopar website, the official service, parts & customer care provider for FCA vehicles including Dodge Ram 1500, at https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls/takata-recalls.html for more information and to check your Dodge Ram 1500 VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
For general Takata recall information across various manufacturers, you can visit the NHTSA website. For further details on the Takata airbag safety recall from NHTSA, please visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls.
If you believe your Dodge Ram 1500 or any vehicle may have a safety defect not currently under recall, contact NHTSA online or call the Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Protect yourself and your loved ones – check your Dodge Ram 1500 for the Takata airbag recall today.
