Chrysler Again Expands Takata Airbag Recall

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV has agreed to more than double the size of a recall announced last week to replace passenger-side airbag inflators that could absorb moisture and explode when triggered.

The expanded campaign widens the number of model years covered and adds four more nameplates, bringing the total to 357,900 vehicles. All affected units are equipped with inflators supplied by Takata Corp.

The recall now includes Ram pickup trucks, Dodge Durango SUVs, Dodge Dakota midsize pickups, Chrysler 300 sedans and Dodge Magnum sport wagons. Most of the vehicles were made during the 2003-2005 model years.

FCA began the original recall a few months ago with a small number of 2003 model Ram pickup trucks in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. On Dec. 3 FCA expanded the callback to 149,200 trucks in five more states and three more territories, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared the effort "insufficient."