Fiat Chrysler issues recalls affecting over 1.3 mn vehices

Fiat Chrysler has issued a pair of recalls affecting over 1.3 million vehicles worldwide, with one aimed at fixing airbags and the other meant to address anti-lock brakes repair.

In the airbag recall, the company said certain crossover vehicles were prone to "inadvertent deployment of the driver-side front air bag." The company found five potentially related minor accidents, but no injuries.

The recall involves 770,853 vehicles globally, including certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journeys sold in the US, Canada and Mexico and certain 2011-2015 Fiat Freemont crossovers sold outside North America.

The company was also recalling 565,647 vehicles for replacement of alternators. It added that it had identified two accidents potentially linked to the defect, but no injuries.

The recall includes 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Challenger coupes, Dodge Durango SUVs and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering.

Owners who will be notified directly can get repairs done at dealers for free.

The airbag recall results from wiring that may "chafe against pieces of steering-wheel trim, potentially causing a short-circuit," the company said. "This may lead to a second short-circuit that is potentially capable of generating inadvertent deployment of the driver-side front air bag."

The issue could also cause unintended windshield wiper operation or inoperable switches.

The automaker said hot ambient temperatures could lead to premature diode wear, may result in a burning odour or smoke, could impact the anti-lock braking system or lead to engine stalls.

According to the company, it was aware of two potentially related accidents but no injuries.

The move comes after its October recall of about 86,000 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks, 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs from the 2007-2013 model years and 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Pursuit sedans over the same alternator issue.