Chrysler recalls 112k family-haulers over airbag controllers
Sun, Feb 7 2016
The Problem: Corrosion in the air bag control unit could prevent the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash, or alternatively deploy prematurely. Chrysler points out that "none of the affected vehicles are equipped with ammonium-nitrate inflators" like those fitted by Takata.
Injuries/Deaths: The manufacturer reports seven minor injuries (but no accidents) potentially related to this issue.
The fix: Chrysler will replace the air bag control unit, though it has not yet outlined a timeframe for doing so.
If you own one: Look for a recall notice in the mail and then schedule service with your local dealership. If you don't receive one, you can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall number S07.
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RECALL Subject : Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion
Report Receipt Date: JAN 29, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V047000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 112,001
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
SUMMARY:
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008, and 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured August 11, 2008, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
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Statement: Occupant Restraint Controller
February 4, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is conducting a voluntary safety recall to replace the occupant restraint controllers in an estimated 112,001 older-model crossover vehicles and minivans in the U.S.
Occupant restraint controllers help manage the function of supplementary restraint systems, such as air bags. An investigation of two incidents involving inadvertent deployment led FCA US to discover a certain population of components is subject to unintended moisture exposure, which may cause inadvertent air-bag deployment or a warning-light illumination.
Of the two potential outcomes, warning-light illumination is the more likely. None of the affected vehicles are equipped with ammonium-nitrate inflators.
FCA US is aware of seven potentially related injuries – all minor – but no related accidents.
The recall is aimed at certain model-year 2009 Dodge Journey crossovers, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, and 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivans. Lesser numbers of vehicles are affected in Canada, Mexico and markets outside the NAFTA region.
Customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be provided free of charge. FCA US urges customers to heed the instructions on their recall notices.
Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.
Report Receipt Date: JAN 29, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V047000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 112,001
Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
SUMMARY:
FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008, and 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured August 11, 2008, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
###
Statement: Occupant Restraint Controller
February 4, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is conducting a voluntary safety recall to replace the occupant restraint controllers in an estimated 112,001 older-model crossover vehicles and minivans in the U.S.
Occupant restraint controllers help manage the function of supplementary restraint systems, such as air bags. An investigation of two incidents involving inadvertent deployment led FCA US to discover a certain population of components is subject to unintended moisture exposure, which may cause inadvertent air-bag deployment or a warning-light illumination.
Of the two potential outcomes, warning-light illumination is the more likely. None of the affected vehicles are equipped with ammonium-nitrate inflators.
FCA US is aware of seven potentially related injuries – all minor – but no related accidents.
The recall is aimed at certain model-year 2009 Dodge Journey crossovers, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, and 2009 Volkswagen Routan minivans. Lesser numbers of vehicles are affected in Canada, Mexico and markets outside the NAFTA region.
Customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be provided free of charge. FCA US urges customers to heed the instructions on their recall notices.
Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.
By Noah Joseph
See also: Continental Automotive recalls 5 million airbag control units, Continental Automotive recalls 5 million airbag control units, Dodge recalls 2011-2016 Charger to give owners wheel chocks.