New Airbag Defect Recall from Fiat Chrysler Affects Millions

Last week, Fiat Chrysler issued a recall of 1.9 million vehicles around the world because of an airbag defect that has been tied to three deaths and five injuries.

Fiat Chrysler is attempting to resolve a defect that could prevent airbags from deploying and seatbelt pretensioners from activating in an accident. The automaker found an issue with specific occupant restraint control modules and front impact sensing wiring design.

Approximately 1.4 million of the recalled vehicles are located in the United States, and 142,959 vehicles are located in Canada.

The recall covers 2010 to 2014 models of the following vehicles:

• Chrysler Sebring
• Chrysler 200
• Dodge Caliber
• Dodge Avenger
• Jeep Patriot
• Jeep Compass

The 2012 and 2013 models of the Lancia Flavia midsize car are also included in the recall.

General Motors Issues Similar Recall

Automotive giant General Motors (GM) also issued a recall for similar airbag problems last week. Approximately 4.3 million automobiles across the globe are being recalled to correct a software defect that may stop airbag deployment during an accident. The defect has already been tied to one fatality and three injuries.

These recalls are just a few of the airbag defects that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been dealing with recently:

• Approximately five million airbag control units manufactured by Continental Automotive Systems were recalled in February due to potential deployment failure or sporadic deployment.
• Eight million ARC Automotive airbag inflators were recalled in August following an inflator rupture that killed a Hyundai driver.
• The NHTSA announced in May that as many as 40 million more Takata airbag inflators would be added to the massive Takata airbag recall, the nation’s largest automotive safety recall to date.

If you were injured by a faulty airbag during an automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A Ft. Worth, TX personal injury attorney at Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, LLP will fight to hold automobile manufacturers accountable for their faulty products and will work to maximize your settlement.

Call (817) 920-9000 or complete our Free Case Evaluation form today.