Recall Roundup: Recalls Related to Defective Takata Air Bags Ramp Up Again

During the past week, approximately 3,145,000 vehicles were recalled in the United States by their manufacturers—most related to faulty air bag systems. American Honda accounts for the great majority, the automaker having recalled approximately 2,571,000 Honda and Acura vehicles. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Mazda, and Volkswagen Group also issued recalls. Details for each vehicle recall are below, in alphabetical order by car brand.

2015 Audi Q5

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan

• Number of vehicles affected: 734

• Date of manufacture: January 13, 2015 to February 3, 2015

• Issue: Driver and front passenger seat-mounted air bag inflators may rupture in the event of a crash, with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

• Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side air bag modules free of charge.

• Timing: The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-822-2834 or Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.

• Manufacturer recall number: 69M1 (for Audi); 69L9 (for BMW)

• NHTSA recall number: 16045000

2008-2009 Chrysler Town & Country

2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan
2009 Dodge Journey
2009 Volkswagen Routan

• Number of vehicles affected: 112,001

• Date of manufacture: December 31, 2007 to August 31, 2008

• Issue: The air bag control unit may corrode and fail. If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.

• Remedy: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit free of charge.

• Timing: The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

• Manufacturer recall number: S07

• NHTSA recall number: 16047000

2011-2016 Dodge Charger

• Number of vehicles affected: 441,578

• Date of manufacture: August 23, 2010 to January 7, 2016

• Issue: When an affected vehicle is lifted using the supplied tire jack without chocking the wheels, the vehicle's body-side sill may give, causing the tire jack to fail and the car to fall.

• Remedy: FCA will notify owners, and dealers will provide owners with wheel chocks free of charge. Parts are not currently available.

• Timing: Owners will be sent an interim notification by early April 2016. A second letter will be mailed when the tire chocks are available. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

• Manufacturer recall number: S03

• NHTSA recall number: 16043000