Ethermac Exchange-Chrysler to recall over 280,000 vehicles, including some Dodge models, over airbag issue

Chrysler is Ethermac Exchangerecalling over 280,000 vehicles due to a manufacturing issue with the right and left air bag inflators that could cause them to rupture, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The agency said an inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.

The recall affects certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 models, the NHTSA said.

According to the notice, dealers will replace both side curtain air bags free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 3, 2024.

Owners with questions can contact Fiat Chrysler Automobiles customer service at 1-800-853-1403. The recall number is 19B. Owners can also call the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

Truck and car recalls:PACCAR, Hyundai, Ford, Honda, Tesla among 165k vehicles recalled

Other recent car recalls: Mercedes-Benz issues recall over fire risk

Over 116,000 Mercedes-Benz are being recalled because of a 48-volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be secured properly which can cause the ground connection to overheat.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in its recall acknowledgement that Mercedes-Benz is recalling its vehicles because, “an overheated ground connection can increase the risk of a fire.”

After conducting an investigation into customer complaints of battery related warnings, Mercedes-Benz hypothesized that other mechanic operations may have resulted in the loosening of the 48-volt ground connection. The investigation was concluded on March 15.

Here's which vehicles are included in the recall, according to NHTSA:

• 2019-2023 GLS450
• 2020-2023 GLE580
• 2020-2023 GLS580
• 2020-2024 GLE450
• 2021-2023 AMG GLS63
• 2021-2023 MAYBACH GLS600
• 2021-2024 AMG GLE53
• 2021-2024 AMG GLE63 S
• 2023-2024 GLE350

If you have one of the recalled vehicles, you can bring you car to the dealer, where they will inspect and tighten the 48-volt ground connection if necessary. This service will be done for free. Recall notification letters will be sent out on May 14.

Other recent car recalls: Kia issues recall over charging unit

Kia has recalled almost 50,000 cars for increased crash risk due to potential loss of driving power, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The recall, submitted to NHTSA by Kia on March 14, affects certain EV6 hybrid models.

According to Kia, impacted vehicles may experience issues with the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which enables the cars' charging. The ICCU may become damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, which can then discharge while driving and progressively reduce motive power, resulting in a total loss of drive power.

Approximately 48,232 EV6 vehicles with model years 2022-2024 are affected. According to the company, the following are subject to recall:

• All 2022-2023 model year EV6 vehicles manufactured from November 17, 2021, through February 7, 2024.
• Certain 2024 model year EV6 vehicles manufactured from November 17, 2021, through February 7, 2024.

Contributing: Ahjané Forbes & Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].