FCA Phases Out Dangerous Takata Airbags: What Vehicle Owners Need to Know

The End of an Era for Dangerous Airbag Inflators

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced a significant milestone in vehicle safety, confirming it will cease using all non-desiccated ammonium nitrate Takata airbag inflators - the type linked to multiple fatalities from shrapnel injuries during deployment. This decision marks a crucial step forward in resolving what has become the largest automotive safety recall in history.

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Understanding the Takata Airbag Crisis

The Takata airbag recall involves inflators that can explode with excessive force when deployed, sending metal shrapnel into vehicle occupants. Key facts about this ongoing safety issue:

• 10 U.S. deaths directly attributed to defective Takata inflators
• Over 100 injuries reported worldwide from shrapnel wounds
• 42 million vehicles recalled in the U.S. alone
• 19 automakers affected across the industry

FCA's announcement represents significant progress in eliminating one of the most dangerous variants - non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators that become unstable when exposed to humidity over time.

FCA's Transition to Safer Alternatives

According to FCA representatives, most of their vehicles already use alternative propellant designs. The remaining affected vehicles fall into two categories:

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1. Vehicles with desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators (containing moisture-absorbing material)
2. The 2016 Jeep Wrangler with non-desiccated inflators (now being phased out)

FCA maintains that desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators haven't shown the same rupture risks as their non-desiccated counterparts. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has ordered Takata to cease production of all ammonium nitrate inflators regardless of desiccant status.

Identifying Affected Vehicles

For consumers concerned about their vehicle's airbag system, follow these steps:

FCA has instructed all dealerships to disclose inflator information to potential Wrangler buyers. However, company representatives caution against assuming safety based solely on manufacturing dates, as production timelines can vary.

Industry-Wide Impact and Progress

The Takata recall has affected nearly every major automaker to varying degrees. Recent industry analysis reveals:

• 6 of 11 recalling manufacturers initially used non-desiccated replacements
• FCA joins Mitsubishi, Toyota and Volkswagen as late-phaseout manufacturers
• Honda has been most aggressive in replacing dangerous inflators

FCA's announcement removes them from the list of manufacturers still using non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators in new vehicles. The company confirms that zero replacement inflators in recalled vehicles contain the most dangerous non-desiccated variant.

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Ongoing Recall Efforts and Consumer Protection

Under the terms of Takata's consent order with NHTSA:

• All non-desiccated ammonium nitrate inflators must be recalled by end of 2019
• Replacement parts must meet new safety standards
• Manufacturers must prioritize high-risk geographic areas

Consumers with older FCA vehicles should remain vigilant, as some may still contain unrepaired defective inflators. FCA has committed to notifying buyers of any new vehicles found to contain questionable inflators, following Toyota's similar June announcement.