Fiat Chrysler recalling 1.9M vehicles for airbag defect linked to 3 deaths
The Center for Auto Safety is the nation’s premier independent, member driven, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy on behalf of all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
WASHINGTON — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said today it is recalling 1.9 million vehicles worldwide for an airbag defect that is linked to three deaths and five injuries.
The recall is to resolve a defect that may prevent deployment of airbags and seat-belt pretensioners in some crashes. The recall includes models sold between 2010 and 2014, including the Chrysler Sebring, 200, Dodge Caliber, Avenger, Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs.
It said the recall also includes the 2012-2013 Lancia Flavia midsize car.
About 1.4 million of the vehicles covered by the recall are in the U.S. Another 142,959 units are in Canada.
The recall is the latest in a series affecting tens of millions of the devices for a series of problems.
Last week, General Motors said it would recall nearly 4.3 million vehicles worldwide due to a software defect that can prevent airbags from deploying during a crash, a flaw already linked to one death and three injuries. That defect is similar but not identical to the Fiat Chrysler issue.
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 are involved in certain collisions.