DETROIT – Fiat Chrysler has issued two new recalls covering more than 1.3 million vehicles worldwide.
The first recall is due to wiring that accommodates air-bag function:
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An FCA US investigation has discovered the 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 generating inadvertent deployment of the driver-side front air bag.
Such an event may be preceded by an illuminated air-bag warning light, unintended wiper operation, inoperable switches, or some combination thereof. Customers who observe such indicators should contact their dealers.
The Company is aware of five minor injuries that are potentially related, but no accidents.
Affected are certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey crossovers. Also included in this campaign are an estimated 120,336 vehicles in Canada, and an estimated 54,072 in Mexico.
Certain model-year 2011-2015 Fiat Freemont crossovers, estimated to number 232,965 and sold outside the NAFTA region, also will be subject to the recall.
Affected customers will be advised by first-class mail when they may schedule service, which will be provided free of charge. Dealer service technicians will inspect and replace the wiring, as needed, while equipping it with additional protective covering.
FCA US urges customers, as always, to follow the instructions in their recall notices. Mailing is scheduled to begin next month.
The second recall is due to an alternator diode needed to be replaced:
Certain alternators supplied to the Company may be subject to premature diode wear following frequent load cycling, at or near maximum amperage, in hot ambient temperatures.
The diode wear may cause illumination of an instrument-cluster warning light and/or the presence of a burning odor or smoke. Customers who observe these warning signs should contact their dealers; continued vehicle use may result in engine stall.
Premature component wear may also compromise function of a vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) and/or electronic stability control (ESC). However, basic braking capability is unaffected.
FCA US is aware of two potentially related accidents, but no injuries.
The campaign is limited to vehicles equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering. Affected customers will be notified by first-class mail and advised when they may schedule service, which will be provided free of charge.
Affected are certain 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Challenger coupes, Dodge Durango SUVs and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.
An estimated 29,625 vehicles of the same make, model and year will be recalled in Canada, as will an estimated 7,879 in Mexico, and an estimated 85,929 outside the NAFTA region.
FCA US urges customers, as always, to follow the instructions in their recall notices. Mailing is scheduled to begin next month.
In October, Fiat Chrysler recalled about 86,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs from the 2007-2013 model years and 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit sedans for the same alternator issue. Fiat Chrysler said at the time one minor injury was related to the recall.