Fiat Chrysler recalls over 1.5M trucks for air bag problems

Fiat Chrysler announced Thursday it was recalling nearly 250,000 pickup trucks in Canada and 1.7 million in the U.S.to fix problems that may affect driver-side airbag deployment and steering. In this case, the side curtain airbags do not comply with federal regulations that protect rear-sitting passengers if the truck rolls over. This could lead in the inadvertent deployment of the driver side air bag.

The company is aware of one accident involving the bracket weld problem.

No accidents or injuries have been reported linked to these issues, FCA said.

Ram will recall 1.06 million pickup trucks in the USA market because a short circuit could deploy the airbag unexpectedly. The condition will be indicated by the airbag warning light, which relates to vehicles equipped with an Electric Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), according to FCA.

The affected models are the 2014 and 2015 RAM 1500 diesel 4×2 trucks, which have been produced between the 8th of August, 2013, and the 2nd of July, 2015. The company is now mailing notices to owners telling them about the recall.

An investigation by FCA U.S. discovered certain supplied steering components may have welds with insufficient fusion. The separated welds could cause steering problems, although Chrysler says some steering capability will remain.

Chrysler is also advising owners to always wear their seat belts, but the automaker didn’t say when the recall will begin. Dealers will install reinforcement brackets at a later date. Fiat Chrysler said customers can schedule an inspection and get free repairs. The 2014 Ram 1500, for instance, has been recalled nine times.