Fiat Chrysler Minivans for Recall Owing to Airbag Problems

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is recalling almost 300,000 minivans after learning that a wiring problem may cause the driver-side front airbag part to deploy abruptly even without a crash.

The affected Dodge Grand Caravan minivans are found in Canada and United States with 2011-2012 models. The issue is being linked to 13 minor injuries in North America, and fortunately, there are no major accidents accounted since then. According to the Italian-American car maker, there are 296, 838 affected cars. 

After conducting the necessary investigations, the company said in a statement, “Wiring may chafe against pieces of steering-wheel trim, potentially causing a short circuit. This may lead to a second short-circuit that is potentially capable of producing inadvertent deployment of the driver-side front air bag.” 

Furthermore, to aid a driver in detecting if there are problems existing in their units, the automaker specified that any of the following may appear on their units: a warning light lit, windshield wipers being activated even without being turned on, failure of the steering wheel and speed control switches as well as a multifunction switch suddenly jamming, then they need to report it right away. 

Other models like the Chrysler Town and Country minivan are not included on the list for recall since they have a different steering wheel trim, FCA said. Besides, Fiat Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne made it clear that the current minivan airbag issue is different to the Takata crisis wherein the airbags installed exploded all of a sudden which led to a dozen people being killed worldwide. It is the largest recall in United States history. 

The company will reach out to clients via mail and will give them schedules to get their cars fixed – free of charge. The recall of vehicles will commence on July 28 and dealers will be asked to replace the wiring if necessitated. Additional protective covering will also be added to ensure safety and security of the units. The company said that vehicle owners can contact their recall information center for any related concerns at (800) 853-1403. 

The stocks of Fiat Chrysler traded lower today by 1.29%, pushing it to € 9.56. 

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