I never thought I’d be so relieved to not have an airbag. Another massive population of drivers has been given the “Do Not Drive” warning as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to investigate millions of vehicles with defective Takata airbags.
When I told my mom that my 1993 Mazda Miata had no airbag to fit an aftermarket track-focused steering wheel, she was not very excited. But now I can tell her, “At least it’s not a Takata airbag.”
The Takata airbag safety recall has been a continuous issue for the NHTSA since 2008. These defective airbags can actually explode during accidents if they were exposed to humidity and hot weather, causing serious injuries. Since 2008, Takata airbags have claimed 28 lives, according to a report from Forbes. One recent death occurred in 2018, with the NHTSA confirming in 2024 that it was due to the Takata airbag sending metal shards into the cabin when it ruptured.
As of 2024, there were 6.4 million vehicles with defective Takata airbags still on the road. But it’s not my Miata, so I’m sure my mom is now very pleased!
Does my vehicle have a Takata airbag?
The NHTSA and Stellantis have come forward again to ask vehicles with the defective Takata airbags to not drive their cars. This time, they are focusing on about 225,000 vehicles from the early 2000s that are still not repaired. Add this to the list of recalls that keeps growing in 2026.
Here are the vehicles listed on the NHTSA’s website under “Critical Do Not Drive Warning.”
Acura
- 2002–2003 Acura 3.2 TL
- 2003 Acura 3.2CL
BMW
- Certain 2000–2006 BMW 3-series (E46), including M3
- Certain 2000–2003 BMW 5-series (E39), including M5
- Certain 2000–2004 BMW X5s (E53)
Chrysler
- 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen
- 2005–2015 Chrysler 300
- 2007–2008 Chrysler Crossfire
Dodge
- 2005–2012 Dodge Dakota
- 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum
- 2006–2015 Dodge Charger
- 2008–2014 Dodge Challenger
- 2004–2009 Dodge Durango
- 2003–2016 Dodge Ram 1500
- 2003–2016 Dodge Sprinter
Ford
- Certain 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
Honda
- 2001–2002 Honda Accord
- 2001–2002 Honda Civic
- 2002 Honda CR-V
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2003 Honda Pilot
Infiniti
- Certain 2002–2003 Infiniti QX4s
Jeep
- 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler
Mazda
- Certain 2004–2009 Mazda B-series
- 2003–2013 Mazda 6
- 2006–2007 Mazda Speed6
- 2004–2011 RX-8
- 2004–2006 MPV
- 2007–2012 CX-7
- 2007–2015 CX-9
Mitsubishi
- 2006–2009 Mitsubishi Raider
Nissan
- Certain 2002–2006 Nissan Sentras
- Certain 2002–2004 Nissan Pathfinders
Pontiac
- Certain 2003–2004 Pontiac Vibes
Toyota
- Certain 2004–2005 Toyota RAV4s
- Certain 2003–2004 Corollas, including Matrix
If you want to check if your vehicle is part of the recall, use the NHTSA’s Recalls Lookup by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN). If your vehicle is in there, you can call a local dealership to schedule a free repair, including replacement parts at no cost to you. It’s tedious, sure, but so is getting blasted with metal shards during a minor fender bender.
