Fiat Chrysler to recall 1.9 mn vehicles over new air bag defect and seat-belt failures

Car maker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is recalling 1.9 million vehicles world-wide over new air bag defect and seat-belt failures that may be linked to three deaths and five injuries.

The latest recall comes a week after General Motors said that it would recall nearly 4.3 million vehicles globally over a software defect that can prevent air bags from deploying.

Most of the Fiat Chrysler cars being recalled are in the US, but 224,860 were sold in Canada and Mexico and 284,051 were sold outside North America.

Affected vehicles include 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 and 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger midsize cars; 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber compact cars; and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot and Compass sport-utilities.

In Mexico, 2010 Chrysler Cirrus compact cars are included. Outside North America, 2012-2013 Lancia Flavia midsize cars are affected.

The carmaker said that an air-bag and seat-belt control module with a certain wiring design may not deploy the air bags or tighten the seat belts if the vehicle is involved in a frontal crash, which could increase the risk of injury.

Fiat Chrysler added that it is aware of three deaths and five injuries that may be related to the issue.

"We're finalising the remedy and customers will be advised when they may schedule service," said, Fiat Chrysler spokesman, Eric Mayne.

Fiat Chrysler said it would contact owners and replace the parts free of charge.