FCA Recalling 297,000 Minivans for Surprise Airbag Deployments
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 297,000 minivans in North America due to a wiring issue that can inadvertently trigger airbag deployments, according to a company statement issued Thursday.
The recall affects 2011-2012 model year Dodge Grand Caravans and has been linked to 13 minor injuries but no known accidents. Congratulations to all those who somehow managed to avoid wrecking their minivan as its steering wheel unexpectedly detonated inches away from their face, blasting their forearms with superheated nitrogen gas.
Based on the FCA recall notice, improperly secured wiring may chafe against pieces of steering wheel trim, potentially causing them to fray and short circuit. A second short runs the risk of potentially producing a charge which can inadvertently trigger deployment of the driver’s side airbag.
Surprise!
The recall will commence in late July and includes 209,000 vehicles in the United States and nearly 88,000 vehicles in Canada. Dealerships will replace the wiring if needed and add protective covering, assumedly to prevent fraying.
[Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
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Missed this one so far.. Our '08 GC was coming due for an airbag recall, so we traded it in on a '15 Town and Country.. 1.5 years/10k miles later, doing ok, except for the one power door not always working on an incline.. Got the extended warranty, so will have to have them look at it sooner or later..
Hey, at least they weren't Takatas!
Will Volkswagen be recalling their version of the FCA minivan (VW Routan) as well?
I bought my 89 Shelby Daytona partially because of the promise of the then NEW airbags. Now, I am not a fan. I'd rather have NO AIRBAGS in any car.