Eight deaths, although not in Chrysler, were linked to Takata's defective car airbags. There is an ongoing U.S. investigation because the 20 million units of automobile makers from around the world were recalled due to airbag problems that doubled in less than two months, Franchise Herald has learned.
There are already more than 100 reported injuries in the United States. That figure includes the reported deaths, according to Tech Times.
Fiat Chrysler Automobile wanted the airbag inflators at the front replaced for over 88,000 of 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger models that were made between September 2007 and October 2010.
The airbags are reported to absorb moisture and may rupture when heated. There is a risk that these ruptured airbags may shoot out sharp, metallic objects, which may harm the driver and passengers, according to the safety report of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall process, which includes focusing on identifying the car brands and models involved, might take years to be completed, according to the traffic agency.
A total of 4.5 million units of Honda's CR-V, Fit and Stream from Japan and Asia, manufactured between 2007 and 2011, will also be recalled together with Chrysler's.
Remembering Chrysler's history of recall, the company reportedly authorized a recall for cars made in 2004 up to 2011. A car audit was done by the company, and found that 2008 to 2010 Dodge challengers were left out from the issued order.
This elicited a new action plan from the management.
Meanwhile, Mark Rosekind, head of NHTSA, said that Fiat Chrysler Automobile delayed the recall.
According to the report of The Next Digit, the traffic agency may either put a fine on the company or force them to buy the defective cars back.
There is no official statement released yet by Fiat Chrysler.
The replacements for the recalled vehicles are not available as of this time, according to the NHTSA, but you can check updates on the matter on the Safer Car government website. This backs up the early reports stating that car owners took their cars to the dealers and waited for months to get the airbags fixed.
