FCA recalls in the U.S. ~1.4 million Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models to fix an airbag controller safety defect that can prevent airbag and safety belt pre-tensioner operation during crashes. The safety defect may occur when vehicles are equipped with a particular occupant restraint control module and front impact sensor wiring routing from an unnamed supplier.
FCA said the airbag recall was forced by its analysis of field events and other vehicle data. FCA is aware of three fatalities and five injuries that may be related to this safety defect. NHTSA has been extremely critical of FCA’s safety recall practices.
An additional 142,959 of these vehicles are subject to FCA recalls in Canada; 81,901 in Mexico, a population that includes the 2010 Chrysler Cirrus compact car; and 284,051 outside North America, which also includes the 2012-2013 Lancia Flavia mid-size car.
Deadly List
FCA US no longer uses the occupant restraint controller or wire routing design found in the affected vehicles:
- 2010 Chrysler Sebring midsize car
- 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 midsize cars
- 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber compact car
- 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger midsize cars
- 2010-2014 Jeep® Patriot and Compass SUVs
FCA US will advise affected customers when they may schedule service, which will be performed free of charge as required by U.S. law. Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403.
