Stellantis recalls 10,000 vehicles in Canada for airbag defects

Stellantis has recalled more than 10,000 Dodge and Chrysler sedans in Canada due to defective airbags.

The company says an estimated 10,285 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans between 2018 and 2021 have been recalled to replace their side airbag inflator, which can explode with too much force and hurl metal fragments at drivers and passengers.

The automaker says that moisture may get into the inflators due to a manufacturing defect and cause corrosion and cracks, while the airbags can inflate even without a crash due to high temperatures in the cabin.

The company adds it is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to the airbag.

The company will notify owners by mail and may advise them to take their car to a dealership, according to Transport Canada’s website.

Stellantis says the defect is estimated in less than one per cent of the recalled vehicles, but has urged its consumers to respond to recall notices. Globally, 318,000 Dodge and Chrysler vehicles are affected.

Company also cutting jobs in U.S.

The company also announced Friday that it would be laying off 400 workers in the U.S. to cut costs and ramp up electric vehicle production plans.

A spokesperson for Stellantis confirmed to CBC News that it would be cutting jobs in its engineering/technology and software divisions effective March 31, representing two per cent of those jobs worldwide.

“As the auto industry continues to face unprecedented uncertainties and heightened competitive pressures around the world, Stellantis continues to make the appropriate structural decisions across the enterprise to improve efficiency and optimize our cost structure,” the spokesperson said.