This summer, a handful of major automobile manufacturers have issued recalls affecting thousands of vehicles. Last week, Honda issued a recall of more than 700,000 Fit models due to a potential overheating or fire hazard with the vehicles’ power switch. Another major automobile manufacturer also recalled a large number of vehicles last week as well. In two separate press releases, Chrysler announced the recall of approximately 841,000 vehicles worldwide due to issues with head restraints, side airbags and electronic stability control, according to the New York Times Blog.
The first recall involves the active head restraints on approximately 490,000 2011-2013 Chrysler Sebrings, Chrysler 200s, Dodge Avengers, Jeep Liberties and 2011-2012 Dodge Nitros in the United States. With the ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating neck injuries, the restraints were designed to move forward in rear-impact collisions to reduce the distance the head may be forced backward. According to Chrysler, “potentially faulty” microprocessors could keep the system from working properly. The automaker is unaware of any injuries from the defect.
In addition, Chrysler is recalling about 282,000 Dodge Grand Caravans, Chrysler Town & Countries and Ram Cargo Vans from the 2013 model year due to the possibility of the side-impact air bags deploying on the wrong side of the vehicle. Chrysler reports that the company is aware of three accidents and 1 minor injury related to the vehicle defect.
Finally, about 69,000 Ram 1500 pickups from the 2013 model year are being recalled because the electronic stability control system could stop functioning. The problem was discovered when dealers noted that the warning light showed that the system was disabled, Chrysler stated in a press release.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Chrysler will notify the owners of the recalled vehicles, and Chrysler dealerships will replace the affected parts or upgrade the software free of charge. For more information, consumers can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.