FCA Steering, Airbag Problems Prompt 1.3 Million-Vehicle Recalls
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is preparing to recall 1.3 million cars and SUVs worldwide under two campaigns to repair electrical problems that could cause the engine to stall or airbags to deploy unexpectedly.
#regulations
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is preparing to recall 1.3 million cars and SUVs worldwide under two campaigns to repair electrical problems that could cause the engine to stall or airbags to deploy unexpectedly. About 60% of the affected vehicles are in the U.S.
The larger callback involves 770,000 of the company’s 2011-2015 Dodge Journey crossover vehicles and Fiat Freemont variants. A wiring harness within the steering column can rub against the steering wheel and cause a short circuit that triggers the frontal driver airbag.
In a second campaign, the company will fix 565,000 of its 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and 2011-2014 model Dodge Durango SUVs, plus Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger and Charger cars.
Affected models have electro-hydraulic steering systems either 3.6- or 5.7-liter engines and alternators rated at 160, 180 or 220 amps. The alternators can overheat and suddenly fail, causing the engine to stall. An underhood fire also is possible.
Reuters notes that FCA recalled 86,000 Ram pickup trucks and Dodge Charger Pursuit police cars last August to fix the same alternator problem.
RELATED CONTENT
-
Daimler Cleared to Test Advanced Robotic Cars on Beijing Roads
Daimler AG has become the first foreign carmaker to win permission to test advanced self-driving vehicles on public roads in Beijing.
-
Porsche Racing to the Future
Porsche is part of VW Group and it is one of the companies that is involved in putting vehicles on the U.S. market with diesel engines in violation of EPA emissions regulations, specifically model year 2013–2016 Porsche Cayenne Diesel 3.0-liter V6 models.
-
Study: How States Should Update Traffic Laws for Autonomous Cars
U.S. states should require that all automated cars have a licensed driver on board, suggests a study by the Governors Highway Safety Assn.