Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

FCA Phases Out Defective Takata Air Bags

The automaker next week will end its use of non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate Takata air bag inflators in NAFTA-market production of vehicles.

by Staff
June 21, 2016
FCA Phases Out Defective Takata Air Bags

The 2016 Jeep Wrangler’s passenger-side air bag inflator is the final FCA US air-bag component to migrate from a non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate design. Photo courtesy of FCA US.

2 min to read


The 2016 Jeep Wrangler’s passenger-side air bag inflator is the final FCA US air-bag component to migrate from a non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate design. Photo courtesy of FCA US.

FCA US announced plans to cease North American production of vehicles equipped with Takata air bag inflators that use an ammonium-nitrate propellant and lack a chemical drying agent, or desiccant, to counteract environmental moisture.

Production of FCA US vehicles using such air bag inflators in the NAFTA market will come to a halt by next week, and global production is expected to end by mid-September, the company said in a released statement.

Ad Loading...

Earlier this month, a Senate Commerce Committee report drew media attention when it revealed that four automakers — FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) US, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Volkswagen — confirmed that at least some of their new vehicles were equipped with non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate air bag inflators from Takata.

The 2016 Jeep Wrangler’s passenger-side inflator is the final FCA US air-bag component to migrate from a non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate design. The automaker said it’s unaware of any failures involving this inflator.

Most inflators used in FCA US vehicles employ alternate propellants. Others use desiccant-enhanced ammonium nitrate. Neither is associated with any inflator ruptures of the kind attributed to certain non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate inflators, the company said.

“In addition, tests were performed on nearly 6,300 older versions of this component, many of which were subject to potentially problematic environmental conditions,” FCA US said. “All performed as intended.”

Unsold vehicles equipped with Takata’s non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate air bag inflators will be identified for customers, FCA US said. Further, customers will also be advised that the vehicles will be recalled by the end of 2019. They aren’t currently subject to recall, however.

Ad Loading...

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed a five-phase recall schedule for vehicles equipped with Takata’s non-desiccated ammonium-nitrate air bag inflators. The schedule is based on level of risk, determined by the age of the inflators and exposure to high humidity and fluctuating high temperatures. These are factors that contribute to the ammonium-nitrate propellant’s degradation, which can lead to the inflator’s rupture upon air bag deployment. The risk of inflator rupture slowly builds over the course of years.

In the U.S., exploding Takata air bag inflators have been linked to 10 deaths and more than 100 injuries.

More Safety

Ambulance and damaged car at a crash scene on a rainy roadway, illustrating workplace transportation risks and the growing focus on road safety management for fleets.
SafetyJune 16, 2026

Managing Road Risk at Scale: Why Fleet Safety Needs a Data-Driven Framework

Insights from the FIA Road and Driver Safety Indexes reveal how to manage road risk on a larger scale.

Read More →
Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler front grille and headlight with text noting Stellantis’ recall of 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide over a potential fire risk tied to power steering wiring.
Safetyby StaffJune 10, 2026

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk

Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.

Read More →
Road signs pointing to “Safe” and “Risky” beside a glowing AI network graphic, illustrating the role of artificial intelligence in driver safety, coaching, training, and risk management.
SafetyJune 10, 2026

Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It

AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driver resting in a vehicle seat, illustrating the dangers of fatigue and the importance of driver wellness, rest, and alertness for safe fleet and roadway operations.
Safetyby Judie NuskeyJune 9, 2026

How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety

During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.

Read More →
A blue and red Automotive Fleet graphic calling for nominations for the fleet safety award.
Safetyby Faith HowellJune 4, 2026

Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award

Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.

Read More →
wheel geotab image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter

Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A person holding a clipboard and writing on an inspection checklist beside the wheel of a large white vehicle, likely conducting a fleet or safety inspection.
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention

Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.

Read More →
A Fleet Forward Conference graphic representing the safety symposium.
Safetyby Chris BrownMay 29, 2026

NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference

The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.

Read More →
A person with hands on the steering wheel driving
Safetyby Judie NuskeyMay 15, 2026

The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle

Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Hail covers the windshield and hood of a black vehicle with text overlay about FLASH Weather AI’s new hail prediction model.
Safetyby News/Media ReleaseMay 13, 2026

FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting

FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.

Read More →