Jeep recalls 228,000 Cherokees for air bag problem
DETROIT, United States (AP) — Jeep is recalling more than 228,000 SUVs worldwide to fix a software problem that can cause side air bags to inflate for no reason.
The recall, which covers Jeep Cherokees from the 2014 and 2015 model years, is the latest in a recent string of auto industry troubles with air bags that include deployment without a crash and inflation with so much force that the air bags spew shrapnel at drivers or passengers.
Fiat Chrysler, which makes Jeeps, says there have been a small number of inadvertent air bag deployments in extreme manoeuvres when drivers dramatically change the angle of travel. Canadian safety regulators say the problem occurred mainly in off-road situations. Sudden air bag inflation can startle drivers and cause crashes, but Chrysler says it’s not aware of any accidents or injuries.
Most of the recalled vehicles are in the US and Canada. Dealers will recalibrate the software to change the threshold for inflating the air bags.
It’s the latest trouble reported with air bags that have saved millions of lives in accidents but are causing other problems for motorists.
Last Saturday, US safety regulators said that more than two million Toyota, Chrysler and Honda vehicles need a second fix for air bags that may inadvertently inflate while the car is running.
The recall includes some Acura MDX, Dodge Viper, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda Odyssey, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Avalon models made from 2002 to 2004.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said all the vehicles covered in Saturday’s announcement had already been under a recall for the faulty air bags. Carmakers originally tried to fix the defects by partially replacing the electronic control unit, made by TRW Automotive Holdings Corp of Livonia, Michigan, but that fix didn’t always work. The new remedy — full replacement of the unit — will be available to all affected vehicles by the end of the year.
However, the NHTSA is urging consumers with cars under the first recall to have the partial unit installed despite the fix’s failure rate, even if they have to return to the dealer under the second recall.
About 39 air bags, or 15 per cent, that had been replaced under the previous recall have deployed inadvertently again.
