Fiat Chrysler Recalls 1.3 Million Cars to Replace Faulty Alternators, Fix Air Bag Problem

Anti-lock Brake Issue, Air Bags Injured 5 People

Roughly 805,000 vehicles in the United States are part of two worldwide recalls by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for 1.3 million vehicles due to faulty alternators affecting anti-lock brakes and wiring problems that could cause engines to stall and air bags to deploy when there is no crash.

The first of two recalls by the Italian-American automaker is seeking to fix some 566,000 vehicles worldwide to replace their alternators after receiving reports of a burning odor. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says this is considered a fire risk and thus prompted the recall despite only two reports of collisions and no injuries.

Specifically, vehicles affected by the alternator problem are located in areas with high temperatures may experience premature diode wear, hence, the burning smell motorists have reported. The issue goes beyond the alternator as it could affect the anti-lock brake system, electronic stability control and cause an engine stall. There are roughly 442,000 vehicles in the United States subject to this recall.

The vehicles subject to this recall are equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering. The model years range from 2011 to 2014 as follows:  Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans; Dodge Challenger coupes; and Dodge Durango SUVs. Additionally, the recall includes: 2012 to 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.

The second recall was made after five reports of people suffering minor injuries when their air bags deployed when there was no collision. The recall involves a wiring issue and affects 363,000 vehicles in the United States and 408,000 others worldwide for a total of 771,000 vehicles.  The recalled vehicles are Dodge Journey and Fiat Freemont crossovers for the model years 2011 to 2015.

The problem involves wiring that may chafe up against pieces of the steering-wheel trim that could potentially cause a short circuit resulting in the air bags deploying.  Dealerships are inspecting and replacing wiring to ensure this does not happen. They may add additional protective covering if necessary.

Lemon Law Claims Help — Call 800-235-6801

Motorists who are grappling with ongoing problems with their Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep or another vehicle, could be eligible for compensation under California and or Federal Lemon Laws.
Johnson Attorneys Group is dedicated to helping people and has served thousands of clients over the years. We helped them resolve their lemon law and cases involving personal injuries due to defective vehicles. Find out if we can help you.

Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION at 800-235-6801. In cases involving lemon law, attorneys fees do not come out of your settlement because the manufacturer is required to pay them directly to us under California Lemon Laws. Personal injury cases involving separate contingency fees.

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James Johnson ESQ
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