Fiat Chrysler Exploding Airbag Recall Triggers Do-Not-Drive Warning

Fiat Chrysler Exploding Airbag Recall Triggers Do-Not-Drive Warning

In a seeming repeat of recent history, defective exploding Takata airbags have resulted in another major recall due to the risk of serious injury and death. On Thursday, November 3, 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued a voluntary recall affecting over 276,000 vehicles outfitted with defective Takata driver-side airbags. The recall was issued after 2 consumer deaths in separate crashes resulting from the faulty airbags, which can rupture with age and humidity, launching dangerous shrapnel at vehicle drivers and occupants. 

The November 3, 2022 Fiat Chrysler recall includes an urgent do-not-drive warning for the affected vehicles, which include:

• Model year 2005 - 2010 Dodge Magnums, Chargers, and Challengers
• Model year 2005 - 2010 Chrysler 300’s

In addition to the specific recalled Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, NHTSA warned that inflator ruptures have occurred in vehicles from other auto manufacturers that were also potentially outfitted with the defective exploding Takata airbags. As such, NHTSA warned that all vehicle owners should urgently check here to determine if their vehicle contains a recalled Takata airbag.

Affected by the Recall? Here’s What To Do Next If You Are Involved In a Car Accident

In the immediate aftermath of an automobile accident, it can be hard to know what to do. You may be injured or understandably distraught. If you are involved in a car accident, follow these initial steps:

• Call 911 to report the emergency
• ⁠File a police report and retain a copy for your records
• Photograph injuries for documentation purposes, as safety permits
• Photograph damage to vehicles and belongings
• Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident
• Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, regardless of severity
• Consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible

Repairing Your Vehicle Affected by the Airbag Recall

When it comes to repairing a defective automobile component, time is of the essence. The current Takata airbag recall represents an immediate danger to consumers, specifically because the airbags are more likely to rupture with age. Consumers are urged to seek immediate repair of their affected vehicles. According to a statement by Stellantis, Fiat Chrysler’s parent company, the repair process takes approximately one hour.

If you believe your vehicle has been affected by the current recall of Takata airbags, follow these steps to receive a FREE repair of your vehicle:

• Determine if your vehicle is affected by calling the Fiat Chrysler airbag recall center at (888) 484-2033, use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check at NHTSA.
• Contact your local FCA-brand dealer or the Fiat Chrysler airbag recall center
• Do not drive your vehicle in for repair — request assistance from the dealer⁠

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Acting Administrator, Ann Carlson, “Every day that passes when you don’t get a recalled airbag replaced, puts you and your family at greater risk of injury or death…this shrapnel can kill — and has — killed or maimed people.”

Who Is Liable When Defective Products Cause Injury?

When innocent consumers are injured as the result of a defective product, the responsible parties must be held accountable. In the case of defective automobile components, or any other defective consumer product, there are typically numerous entities involved in the process of delivering the product to market.

Any entity along the stream of commerce who participates in delivering a defective product into the hands of consumers is potentially liable. This strict liability applies whether or not the party ever had physical possession of the detective product. Responsible parties can include, but are not limited to: product designers, manufacturers, suppliers, online retailers, and individual sellers.

When each participant along the commerce stream shares in liability for a product’s safety, the burden of proof is effectively lifted from the injured consumer and transferred to those responsible for producing the product. In California, an injury victim is not required to prove negligence in order to assert a product liability claim. Instead, an injured party is required to prove that:

1. The product was unreasonably dangerous
2. The plaintiff sustained injury
3. The injury was caused by the defective product

CZ: Experienced Litigators With Record Product Liability Wins

The law firm of Carpenter & Zuckerman has been fighting on behalf of injured consumers for over twenty-five years. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have litigated innumerable product liability lawsuits in both federal and state courts for a range of defective products, including automobile components, medical devices, and general consumer goods. 

In fact, CZ Law Partner John P. Kristensen was responsible for a record-breaking $16,000,000 NHTSA fine against Toyota Motor Corporation in connection with the well-publicized steering relay rod recall cases.

The team at CZ Law is composed of top-notch legal professionals, from our administrative staff to our distinguished and experienced trial attorneys. With offices in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Orange County, Bakersfield, San Diego, and Las Vegas, we are ready to engage and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. 

Manufacturers must be held liable for the faulty products they deliver into the hands of consumers. If you have been affected by a defective automobile component or another defective product, you deserve fair compensation! Contact CZ Law today at (888) 484-2033 or fill out our for a FREE consultation.