By Jake Lingeman, Crain News Service
DETROIT (Oct. 15, 2014) — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 184,215 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from model year 2014 for a faulty airbag component.
Chrysler said the occupant restraint control module can be disabled by internal electrical short circuits. That will make the airbag and restraint warning lights illuminate, which means those systems, including the seatbelt pretensioner, may be disabled.
The auto maker said it doesn't know of any injuries or fatalities due to the issue.
Of the SUVs being recalled, about 126,000 are in the U.S., 8,000 are in Canada, 3,700 in Mexico and 45,000 more are outside North America.
According to the Detroit News, component-maker Bosch A.G. sent a letter to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) that a part similar to one recalled in Ford Motor Co. vehicles was also used in some Chrysler models. That prompted an investigation by company engineers.
Concerned owners can call Chrysler at 800-247-9753 or go here to find out if your vehicle is being recalled. Alternately, vehicle owners can contact NHTSA at 888-327-4236.
This report appeared on the website of Autoweek magazine, a Detroit-based sister publication of Tire Business. Jake Lingeman is associate editor for Autoweek and reports on cars, car tech and the world at large.