Fiat Chrysler Recalls 316k Jeeps With Faulty Airbags

The Takata airbags issue is still ongoing, affecting a dozen auto makers and presenting one of the biggest challenges the automotive industry has faced. Millions of vehicles are currently under recall, and government officials are in talks about an unprecedented move that will have its organizing the recall itself. Fiat Chrysler has been dealing with its own airbag troubles, one that has resulted in 316,000 Jeeps being recalled.

Unlike the Takata airbags issue, which results in airbags deploying with too much force, the one affecting some Fiat Chrysler vehicles can cause the airbags to deploy even if the vehicle hasn't been in a wreck. This is attributed to "electrical noise" that affects the electronic control module. This is the auto maker's third recall over the issue.

According to a report recently published on the NHTSA website, the issue affects some 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The aforementioned electrical issue could cause the front, side, and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy while one is driving.

The owners will be notified. The replacement parts are expected to be in early next year, however. This has been a rough month for auto makers, with several other recalls also recently coming through the NHTSA. On October 16, for example, the agency reported a new similar issue with Honda Accords that could result in the air bag deploying unexpectedly. Fiat Chrysler also has a new recall related to the ABS and ESC system on some Dodge Journey cars.

SOURCE: New York Times