If you haven’t yet, it might be time to start familiarizing yourself with the parts of your vehicle, as well as the brands that make them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just announced another air bag recall. This time, tens of millions of vehicles are under a Do Not Drive warning because the bags are not operating as designed. If your vehicle is included in this Takata air bag recall, you’ll need to get it repaired immediately; if you don’t you’re at serious risk of injury or even death.
Why Is There a Takata Air Bag Recall?
Per the NHTSA announcement, the issue is somewhat weather related.”Long-term exposure to high heat and humidity can cause these air bags to explode when deployed,” the brief warns. “Such explosions have caused injuries and deaths.”
This isn’t the first time Takata air bags have faced scrutiny. There was also a large recall of Takata air bags back in 2019. To avoid any confusion about who is and isn’t in danger, the NHTSA clarifies that “unlike the air bag inflators in the larger Takata recalls, this recall involves non-azide driver inflators.” So even if you already dealt with a similar issue, you’re not necessarily out of the water. Play it safe until you know for sure.
Who’s Affected?
The Do Not Drive warning affects tens of millions of vehicles including:
- 2002-2003 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2003 Acura 3.2CL
- 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series (E46) including M3
- 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series (E39) including M5
- 2000-2004 BMW X5s (E53)
- 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen
- 2005-2015 Chrysler 300
- 2005–2011 Dodge Dakota
- 2005-2010 Dodge Magnum
- 2005-2015 Dodge Charger
- 2005-2014 Dodge Challenger
- 2004–2009 Dodge Durango
- 2003–2010 Dodge Ram
- 2003 Dodge Ram 1500
- 2004-2011 Ford Rangers
- 2005-2006 GT
- 2005-2014 Mustang
- 2006-2012 Fusion
- 2006-2012 Lincoln MKZ/Zephyr
- 2006-2012 Mercury Milan
- 2007-2010 Edge
- 2007-2010 Lincoln MKX
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Honda Pilot
- 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4s
- 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler
- 2004-2009 Mazda B-Series
- 2003-2013 Mazda6
- 2006-2007 MazdaSpeed6
- 2004-2011 RX-8
- 2004-2006 MPV
- 2007-2012 CX-7
- 2007-2015 CX-9
- 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider
- 2002-2006 Nissan Sentras
- 2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinders
- 2003-2004 Pontiac Vibes
- 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4s
- 2003-2004 Corollas, including Matrix
Is There a Fix?
The NHTSA says that if you own one of the vehicles on the list, you can confirm that yours needs repair through their Recalls Lookup page. Search with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and you should be able to see immediately if there’s a Do Not Drive warning or an outstanding recall. If so, the organization urges you to “immediately call your dealer to schedule a free repair. Replacement parts for these vehicles are available.”
Sources
Takata Recall Spotlight, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2026.
Critical Do Not Drive Warning for Certain Vehicles with Takata Air Bags, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2026.
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