1.9 million Fiat Chryslers are being recalled due to an air bag defect

read time: 2 min
21.09.16

Certain Chrysler Sebring, 200, Dodge Caliber, Avenger, Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs from 2010 to 2014 are being recalled over an airbag defect that may be linked to three deaths and five injuries. The recall also includes the 2012-2013 Lancia Flavia vehicles.

The defect may stop air bags deploying and seat belts tightening in a head on collision.

An estimated 1.4 million of the vehicles were sold in the U.S. The remainder were sold in Canada (143,000), Mexico (82,000) and the rest of the world (284,000).

Fiat Chrysler said the issue occurred when vehicles equipped with a particular occupant restraint control module and front impact sensor wiring of a specific design were involved in certain collisions.

General Motors said in its recall that the sensing and diagnostic module that controls air bag deployment has a software defect that may prevent frontal air bags from deploying in certain rare circumstances.

Fiat Chrysler said it no longer uses the occupant restraint controllers or wire routing design. The notice did not say when it will begin recall repairs.

It is the latest in a series of large-scale air bag recalls, as the auto industry contends with a widening array of problems from potentially unstable inflators to bad software.

Last week, General Motors said it would recall nearly 4.3 million vehicles worldwide due to a software defect that can prevent air bags from deploying during a crash. That defect is similar but not identical to the Fiat Chrysler issue. In June, Toyota also had to recall 1.4 million cars over faulty airbags.

If you have any concerns in relation to the safety of your vehicle always ensure that you speak with an expert immediately.

Within Ashfords LLP we have the expertise to advise you on safety management systems and what to do when things go wrong.

Sign up for legal insights

We produce a range of insights and publications to help keep our clients up-to-date with legal and sector developments.  

Sign up