‘Do Not Drive’ Recall Raises Urgent Warning for Columbus County Drivers

Federal alert stresses: affected vehicles must not be driven under any circumstances

WHITEVILLE, NC — A nationwide “Do Not Drive” alert for certain Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles is now impacting drivers across Columbus County, with federal safety officials warning owners to park the vehicle immediately and not drive it at all until repairs are completed.

The recall involves older vehicles equipped with unrepaired Takata airbags — inflators that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin. The defect has been linked to 28 deaths and more than 400 injuries across the United States. NHTSA’s message is direct: “Do not drive this vehicle until the recall repair is completed.”

Which Vehicles Are Affected

Stellantis has confirmed that about 225,000 vehicles remain unrepaired nationwide. The “Do Not Drive” alert applies to older models with open Takata airbag recalls, including:

• 2003–2010 Dodge Ram
• 2004–2009 Dodge Durango
• Other older Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles equipped with Takata airbags

Owners of these vehicles are instructed to stop driving immediately.

What Local Drivers Need to Know — Under federal recall rules, all authorized dealerships must follow the same emergency‑level procedures:

• Do not drive the vehicle. Not even to the dealership.
• Free towing is required. Stellantis instructs dealers to tow affected vehicles at no cost.
• Mobile repair may be available. Certified technicians can sometimes complete the repair at the owner’s home.
• Repairs are prioritized. Airbag replacements move ahead of routine service work.
• Loaner transportation may be offered. Temporary options may be available while repairs are completed.

High Demand and Possible Delays –With hundreds of thousands of vehicles still unrepaired nationwide, service departments may see heavy call volume, increased tow‑ins, and longer wait times. Weather‑related shipping delays could also affect parts availability.

Impact on Used‑Car Sales — Dealerships are prohibited from selling or test‑driving any used vehicle with an open Takata recall. Trade‑ins with unrepaired airbags must be fixed before resale.

Action Required — Check your vehicle using your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls or contact a local dealership — such as Van Underwood Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM in Whiteville — to schedule a free repair if your vehicle is affected.

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