NHTSA Recall #14V-817 / Manufacturer Recall: P81 Defective Air Bag Inflater

[CTRice]

I own two trucks affected by this recall. I have been attempting to get them repaired, but the dealers have been repeatedly saying there are no repair parts
available. This recall involves defective air bag inflaters that could cause serious injury or death if the air bag inflates spontaneously,as they have been known to do. I know many TDR members own Generation 3 trucks. Would you please share with me how you were able to have them repaired??
I do not want my family to be in danger.

Thanks,
Chuck Rice

 

[AH64ID]

First I have heard of this recall.

Anymore specifics on what 3rd gen trucks is covers?

 

[mfurrh55]

I have an 07 mega cab and asked them about the recall, they claimed mine was not among the ones on recall, Monte

 

[DaveHess]

John I read somewhere that yours and mine are not affected. Wish I could remember the source. I think 2006 is the first year affected.

 

[AH64ID]

Here is a link I found.

https://www.chrysler.com/universal/webselfservice/pdf/P81.pdf

It appears the issue isn't uncommanded inflation, but the inflator may rupture during deployment. A ruptured inflator would put less pressure on the bag, potentially resulting in a partial deployment.

 

[CBari]

I was told the same thing on my 03. It is funny how they did this recall my 03 is in the recall cause it was sold in Texas, but my 04 that sat on dealer lot in Florida for 6 months and then was dealer transferred to Missouri isn't how ever if my 04 had been bought in Florida it would have in the recall. It is all temperature and humidity related.

 

[Tuesdak]

This was discussed on here a bit ago. The danger is shrapnel from the "explosion" vs. inflation that is supposed to happen. One of the first cases was in DRY California on a Honda. Still a lingering question of why the 2003 2500/3500 are not in the recall. Never mind the dry vs. wet climate exclusions.

 

[Crunch]

I own a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500/Cummins which I believe was manufactured in May 2003, and received my recall notice back in late January or early February of this year. I have not called to schedule the service yet.

The number code at the top of the notice is P78/NHTSA 14V-770. It lists the problem, "rupture, due to excessive internal pressure, during normal airbag deployment events." The next section is "What your dealer will do", which is, "repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor)." The third section is, "What you must do to ensure your safety", which to me is never ride in the front passenger seat:-laf, but the notice states that to ensure your safety you should "contact your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM dealer on or after February 23, 2015 to schedule a service appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment." And in bold it also states to, "Please bring this letter with you to your dealer." The last section is titled, "If you need help" and states that, "If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the FCA US Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403."

I've heard that for other makes and models of cars and trucks there is a backlog and long wait, but I don't know what the story is for us.

 

[Tuesdak]

Digging through the ignorance of spoon fed propaganda reporters out there there appears to be confusion on 2003's and a possible reason this is happening. Hard to dig up the reason in most articles, but, a couple out there. Yeah, this stuff isn't stable...

"ammonium nitrate as a propellant"

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...le-blower-willing-to-testify-on-air-bag-flaws

http://chemjobber.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-phases-of-ammonium-nitrate-and.html

 

[CTRice]

Thanks for the information. I am planning on driving my '06 Ram 3500 for at least 250,000 miles, but I will not rest until FCA and Takata step up to their legal and moral responsibility in this matter. For them to say that "no parts are available at this time" is totally unacceptable. I wonder how many dealer employees who own third gen
trucks are still waiting for parts?
Thanks again,
Chuck

 

[CVR222NV]

I have been waiting to handle the recall on the left tie rod (N62) until I installed my 2008.5 upgrade. Then got the recall on the clutch interlock switch (P80). Installed the 2008.5 steering box and linkage and went to the dealer to schedule an appointment and they told me about the Driver Airbag Inflator recall (P81). They told me no parts for the P80 and P81 recalls at the time I made the appointment but they may come in by the time of my appointment. Appointment is April 29th.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

I don't think its as much as a fca problem as its a takata problem. Im sure is a pi$$ing match between the two on who is gonna throw down the cash to fix the problem. I'm sure fca doesn't want to do it until takata says they will. Everybody knows how business works. But Fca should step up and fix them. But I also see takata going belly up and not paying a dime. I have the recall on both my 06 ram and my wifes 04 sequoia and havn't received anything from either manufacture. So its not just a Fca thing.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I own a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500/Cummins which I believe was manufactured in May 2003, and received my recall notice back in late January or early February of this year. I have not called to schedule the service yet.

The number code at the top of the notice is P78/NHTSA 14V-770. It lists the problem, "rupture, due to excessive internal pressure, during normal airbag deployment events." The next section is "What your dealer will do", which is, "repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor)." The third section is, "What you must do to ensure your safety", which to me is never ride in the front passenger seat:-laf, but the notice states that to ensure your safety you should "contact your Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge or RAM dealer on or after February 23, 2015 to schedule a service appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment." And in bold it also states to, "Please bring this letter with you to your dealer." The last section is titled, "If you need help" and states that, "If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the FCA US Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403."

I've heard that for other makes and models of cars and trucks there is a backlog and long wait, but I don't know what the story is for us.

I received the same type letter listing my '03 3500 with the February 23rd date. I haven't called my local dealer for an appointment yet either. I am waiting until I needed a state vehicle inspection and an oil change and would ask about the recall at that time. Like others have indicated, it may be a while before the parts are available and the decision is made as to who (FCA or Takata) pays for it. There are thousands vehicles assembled by various manufacturers involved in this recall.

Bill

 

[Regcabguy]

Ironic how when I brought my '05 Honda Pilot in for an express oil change,the vehicle was flagged and an appt made in one week for the repair.

 

[Bob4x4]

The passenger inflators are in the system. I did one last week on a Texas truck. The drivers side was not available for the same truck

 

[inlinesix3million]

Has anyone heard anything about the side-curtain airbags?

 

[Motorhead]

Well, Now that is TWO of my vehicles affected by Takata! My 2007 Dodge 2500 and my 2001 BMW 325it wagon. Got the recall last year on the BMW but "Sorry, No inventory of replacement parts". I just stopped by BMW the other day and finally, 8 months later, they have some stock of the passenger air bag on the BMW. I bought a 2007 BMW R1200GS motorcycle last November and so far, I have had 3 recalls! The last one is the worst as it replaces the REAR wheel ALUMINUM hub that the wheel bolts to with a STEEL one. Seems that the aluminum one cracks where the lug nuts are threaded in causing the lugs to loosen and the rear wheel comes off!!!
Hey.....Just build them and get them out the door and sold. We'll fix all the problems LATER!!