Fiat Chrysler has launched two recalls covering more than 46,000 vehicles for ignition switch and airbag issues. The automaker is calling back an estimated 43,874 manual-transmission Jeep Liberty and Wrangler SUVs and Dodge Viper cars from the 2006 model year for possible ignition-switch problems and 2,408 Ram ProMaster City vans from the 2015 model year for airbag deployment issues.
Fiat Chrysler will replace the clutch ignition interlock switches on manual-transmission Libertys, Wranglers and Vipers after engineers found that the vehicles have switches that contain a type of wire that was involved in a 67,000-truck recall in December. The wire may break, preventing the vehicle from starting. If a driver does not follow recommended procedures for starting the vehicle, the vehicle also could move unintentionally when the ignition key is turned.
The automaker is notifying customers of the issue and letting them know of service availability. At present, customers are advised to follow recommended procedures for starting their vehicles, such as activating the parking brake, placing the shift lever in neutral and pressing the clutch pedal before turning the ignition key. The recall affects an additional 2,944 vehicles in Canada, 706 in Mexico and 11,309 outside North America.
Fiat Chrysler is recalling the Ram ProMaster City cargo and passenger vans to remove a section of tape from the side-curtain airbags. Engineers found that the tape used for airbag installation during vehicle assembly may prevent airbags from fully deploying. About 1,500 vans in Canada have also been recalled. Fiat Chrysler said it knows of no injuries or accidents related to either recall.
