Fiat Chrysler Recalls Vehicles for Airbag Defects and Fire Risks

Fiat Chrysler is recalling about 182,000 Jeep Wrangler SUVs from the 2016 and 2017 model years over an issue with airbags potentially not deploying in the event of a crash. According to a news report on MLive.com, the automaker stated in documents filed with U.S. safety regulators that in certain conditions, a front impact sensor wire might be pulled until it detaches before a signal can be received by the vehicle’s occupant restraint controller.

Two Separate Recalls

If that happens, both frontal airbags and the seatbelt pretensioners will not work in a crash. The automaker said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. FCA will provide more information about the fix for the problem in late November. The automaker also made a separate announcement that it is recalling 74,833 vehicles in the U.S. for a potential alternator issue that could lead to engine stall and possibly a vehicle fire. Affected vehicles include: certain 2007-2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups; 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs and 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Pursuits.

The vehicle defects that spurred this recall have the potential to result in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. In the case of the Jeep SUVs, both the airbags and the seatbelts could fail to work, putting occupants in serious risk of injury or death. With the alternator issue, vehicles could stall and/or catch fire, which is also of course a serious concern for vehicle owners.

If Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled

If your vehicle has been recalled, it is important that you take action right away. Recent studies indicate that consumers are becoming numb to recall news. This is a dangerous trend because not paying attention to safety recalls has the potential to result in devastating injuries. If you are not sure if your vehicle has been recalled, visit the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website at safercar.gov and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN). If your car is included in the recall, take it to the dealer or follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or if you have lost a loved one as the result of an auto defect, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the automaker and/or the manufacturer of the defective product seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injuries, pain and suffering, etc. An experienced auto product liability lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options.