Fiat-Chrysler Recalls 1.9 Million Vehicles
Brian O Sutter
Personal Injury
Recalls
On September 15, 2016, Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles NV issued a recall for 1.9 million vehicles. The recall was issued after the company found that both seat belt and airbag defects. These two defects have lead to 3 known deaths and at least 5 injuries. Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles is the seventh largest vehicle company in the world and the current recall has a global reach. The current recall follows on the heel of a massive software recall in late 2015 of 1.4 million vehicles. So if you drive a Fiat-Chrysler vehicle, it is imperative you make sure your vehicle is not on the list.The Details Of The Fiat-Chrysler Recall
The recall was issued after the Fiat-Chrysler discovered the defects during their crash analysis program. The data collected showed that vehicles equipped with a certain model of occupant restraint control modules and poorly designed front-impact sensor wiring failed to activate air bags and seat belts in head-on collision accidents. So far the company has not found that these safety features malfunction during side or rear-end collisions. Fiat-Chrysler no longer uses either of these recalled systems in their vehicles, but there are still vehicles on the road with these problematic parts including:
- 2010 Chrysler Sebring
- 2011-2014 Chrysler 200
- 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger
- 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber
- 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot
- 2010-2014 Jeep Compass
Fiat-Chrysler believes the safety issue stems from the hypersensitivity of modern vehicle safety devices and software. Programming just the right triggers to ensure airbags and seatbelts deploy when in a collision and not just whenever there is bumps in the road is still tricky. General Motors Company had a similar issue this year with their airbags that lead to them recalling 4.3 million vehicles.
What To Do If Your Vehicle Is Impacted By The Fiat-Chrysler Recall
If you believe your vehicle may be impacted by this recall, you can check by looking up your VIN number at the Fiat-Chrysler recall website at: https://www.mopar.com/en-us/my-vehicle/recalls.html. To date, Fiat-Chrysler does not have a repair schedule set up but will notify impacted customers as soon as they have a solution to this issue. Until then, it is advised that consumers be aware of these safety issues and use extra caution in situations that could lead to a head-on collision.
What To Do If You Are Injured Because Of A Recalled Part
So far there have only been a few known injuries as a result of the Fiat-Chrysler safety recall, however as the company and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration further investigates the problem, they may uncover more. What happens if you or a family member is injured as a result of this or any other recall?
You have a right to drive a safe vehicle. When you’ve been injured in an automobile accident as a result of recall, the car manufacturer can be held legally accountable. Vehicle manufacturers are required by law to provide a safe product to the public and if that product is defective as a result of either intentional or unintentional negligence, they are liable for any damages that have occurred. In the case of injury, you need to consider a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
Contact An Attorney
If you’ve recently been in an accident and believe it is the result of a defective product, you need to hire a personal injury attorney immediately. The experienced lawyers at All Injuries Law Firm can help. We have over 30 years of experience dealing with accident related injuries and can help you pursue a product liability claim against any vehicle manufacturer. So if you have been injured as a result of the Fiat-Chrysler recall or any other vehicle recall, contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you!