Chrysler recalls Dodge Durangos, Jeep Grand Cherokees for airbag glitch
Chrysler Group said it is recalling 2014 model year Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs to fix a potential problem with the airbag safety system.
The recall covers 184,215 vehicles globally, including 126,772 in the U.S.
An electronic unit in the vehicles – the occupant restraint control module – can develop a short-circuit. That may cause restraint systems such as the airbags and seat-belt pretensioners to shut off and airbag warning lamps to illuminate on the dashboard.
Some vehicles are affected, but others are not, Chrysler said. Still, it is asking owners of the vehicles to be sure to use their seatbelts, which even with a working airbag, still provide the most protection for car occupants.
Chrysler will notify owners about when they can bring their SUVs back to the dealers to have the module replaced.
Chrysler said it is unaware of any reports of injuries or accidents linked to the problem.
The automaker learned of the problem from Bosch, the supplier of the module.
Last month Ford Motor Co. recalled about 850,000 2013-2014 model year C-MAX, Escape, Fusion and MKZ vehicles because of the same problem with a Bosch-manufactured module, according to National Highway Traffic Safety administration documents.
Automakers so far this year have recalled a record 50 million vehicles in the U.S., or about one out of every five autos on the road.
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