The SABIC inflator recall concerns a potentially dangerous defect in the side-curtain airbags fitted to certain Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. In this case, SABIC means Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain; it does not refer to the Saudi chemicals manufacturer that uses the same acronym.
FCA US, part of Stellantis, announced the voluntary recall in March 2024. According to official documents, moisture introduced during component manufacturing could cause internal corrosion, cracking and possible inflator rupture.
Table of Contents
- What is a SABIC inflator?
- Which vehicles are affected?
- What caused the inflator problem?
- Why is a rupture dangerous?
- What should vehicle owners do?
- Why the recall matters to the industry
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
Quick Information
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| SABIC meaning | Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain |
| NHTSA recall number | 24V-198 |
| FCA recall campaign | 19B |
| Recall filing date | March 14, 2024 |
| U.S. vehicles potentially affected | 284,982 |
| Affected models | Certain 2018–2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 cars |
| Estimated defective proportion | Approximately 1% |
| Component supplier | Joyson Safety Systems |
| Main danger | Inflator rupture may propel material into the cabin |
| Advance warning | None identified |
| Official remedy | Replacement of both side-curtain airbag modules |
| Repair cost | Free for affected owners |
What Is a SABIC Inflator?
A SABIC inflator is part of a vehicle’s side-curtain airbag system. The curtain airbag is normally installed behind the headliner and extends across the side windows when deployed during certain side impacts or rollover events.
When the restraint controller detects a qualifying collision, the inflator rapidly supplies gas to the folded airbag. The inflated curtain helps protect occupants’ heads and reduces the possibility of contact with windows, pillars or objects outside the vehicle.
Because the system operates under substantial pressure, the inflator’s metal housing must remain structurally sound. Corrosion, cracks or manufacturing contamination can interfere with its ability to contain pressure safely.
Which Vehicles Are Affected by the SABIC Inflator Recall?
The official NHTSA Part 573 report identifies 284,982 potentially affected vehicles in the United States. The recall population consists of certain sedans produced during the following periods:
| Model | Model years | Suspect production period | U.S. vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Charger | 2018–2021 | July 5, 2018–May 20, 2021 | 217,802 |
| Chrysler 300 | 2018–2021 | July 5, 2018–May 19, 2021 | 67,180 |
| Total | 2018–2021 | — | 284,982 |
Not every Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300 from these model years is included. FCA used inflator traceability and vehicle-production records to define the recalled population, so owners must check the vehicle identification number rather than relying only on the model and year.
Reports published when the campaign began placed the wider international population at approximately 318,000 vehicles. Most of the recalled cars were located in North America, but numbers can differ between markets and recall databases.
What Caused the SABIC Inflator Problem?
FCA’s investigation found that moisture may have entered certain inflators during supplier manufacturing. Moisture trapped inside a sealed metal component can gradually cause internal corrosion.
This corrosion may contribute to stress-corrosion cracking, which occurs when a material is affected by both corrosion and mechanical stress. If cracking weakens the inflator housing, it may be unable to contain the pressure generated during deployment.
The affected component was supplied by Joyson Safety Systems. FCA opened its investigation on February 17, 2023, and continued analysing reported ruptures until February 2024 before deciding to conduct the recall.
The official filing identified airbag component number 68222743AF. Owners should not attempt to inspect this component themselves because the airbag is concealed behind interior trim and contains high-pressure or pyrotechnic equipment.
Why Can a SABIC Inflator Rupture Be Dangerous?
A correctly operating inflator directs gas into the airbag in a controlled manner. If its housing breaks, compressed gas can escape through the damaged area, potentially sending fragments or other material into the passenger compartment.
This creates a risk of injury because side-curtain airbags are installed close to occupants’ heads and upper bodies. According to Reuters’ report on the recall, ruptured inflators could allow sharp metal fragments to strike occupants.
FCA estimated that around 1% of the recalled U.S. vehicles could contain the defect. At the time of the filing, the company had identified two warranty claims and five customer-assistance records but reported no related accidents or injuries. These figures describe the information available in early 2024 and may change if regulators publish later findings.
Is This the Same as the Takata Airbag Recall?
No. Stellantis specifically stated that the recalled SABIC inflators do not use the same propellant or inflator design as the Takata airbags involved in earlier global recalls.
Joyson Safety Systems acquired major assets from Takata after its bankruptcy, which can create confusion. However, the 2024 SABIC defect was associated with manufacturing moisture, corrosion and cracking rather than the exact design and propellant problem involved in the Takata campaigns.
What Should Affected Vehicle Owners Do?
Owners should check their 17-character VIN through the official NHTSA recall lookup or the Mopar recall search. The VIN is normally visible through the lower driver-side windshield and appears on registration and insurance documents.
If recall 24V-198 or FCA campaign 19B appears as incomplete, the owner should contact an authorized Chrysler or Dodge dealership. FCA’s official remedy is to replace both side-curtain airbag modules free of charge.
Owners can follow these steps:
- Enter the VIN into an official recall database.
- Confirm whether campaign 19B remains incomplete.
- Contact an authorized dealership.
- Ask whether replacement parts are available.
- Arrange the free repair.
- Keep the completed repair invoice.
- Check the VIN again to confirm that the recall was closed.
No reliable advance warning of an inflator rupture has been identified. An airbag warning light should always be inspected, but the absence of a warning light does not confirm that the inflator is unaffected.
Owners should never remove the headliner or try to replace an airbag at home. Airbag modules require trained handling, correct installation and diagnostic checks after replacement.
Why the Recall Matters to the Automotive Industry
The SABIC inflator recall demonstrates the importance of component traceability. Detailed supplier and production records allowed FCA to identify vehicles built with inflators from the suspect manufacturing period instead of recalling every related model.
It also shows that safety problems can develop years after production. Moisture contamination may not cause an immediate failure, but gradual corrosion can turn a small manufacturing defect into a long-term safety risk.
For modern electric and connected vehicles, the lesson remains important. Software diagnostics and over-the-air updates can correct some problems, but they cannot replace corroded airbag hardware or repair a physically weakened inflator.
Automakers must therefore balance investment in batteries, connectivity and automated-driving technology with strict quality control for airbags, seat belts and other traditional safety equipment.
Conclusion
The SABIC inflator recall covers certain 2018–2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles whose side-curtain airbag inflators may contain manufacturing-related moisture. Corrosion and cracking could cause an inflator to rupture and propel material into the cabin.
Owners should verify their VIN through NHTSA, consult the official Mopar recall service and arrange the free replacement if campaign 19B remains open. A completed repair is the safest response to an outstanding SABIC inflator recall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SABIC inflator mean?
SABIC means Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain. It refers to the inflator used to deploy a vehicle’s side-curtain airbag.
Which cars are covered by the recall?
The U.S. recall covers certain 2018–2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. Model year alone is insufficient, so owners must check the VIN.
What is the SABIC inflator recall number?
The official NHTSA recall number is 24V-198. FCA and its dealerships identify the campaign as 19B.
Is there a warning before an inflator ruptures?
No reliable advance warning has been identified. An affected vehicle may not display an airbag warning light before a rupture.
How much does the SABIC recall repair cost?
The official recall repair is free. An authorized dealership should replace both side-curtain airbag modules without charging the affected owner.
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