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Fiat Chrysler is recalling 1.2 million older minivans and SUVs because a plastic emblem can come off the steering wheel in a crash and injure the driver. The recall affects 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro SUVs.
Plastic Part Could Become a Projectile During a Crash
Fiat Chrysler says it is aware of 14 related injuries to drivers. No other passengers were apparently hurt. According to Fiat Chrysler, they are no longer using the defective clips that caused the problem.
“An FCA investigation discovered these vehicles are equipped with certain clips, no longer in use, that may – over time – loosen and disengage. Should these things happen, and there is a driver-side air bag deployment, the clips and/or plastic emblems they are meant to secure, may act as projectiles.”
Minivans were a huge part of Fiat Chrysler’s market until the recent resurgence of pickup trucks. Chrysler and Dodge rolled out special 25th Anniversary minivans during that time period so many of them could still be on the road.
This recall affects 925,239 minivans and SUVs in the United States. It also involves 188,249 vehicles in Canada, 24,139 vehicles in Mexico and 66,120 outside North America.
How FCA Will Fix the Problem
FCA will begin mailing recall notices to registered vehicle owners next month. Service departments will replace the plastic air bag covers on the steering wheels. FCA is warning drivers not to tamper with the emblems in the center of the steering wheel or with the air bag cover in the meantime and to follow the instructions on the recall notice when they receive it.
FCA points out that this recall has nothing to do with the Takata air bag recalls.
Fiat Chrysler says any customers with additional questions or concerns should call (800) 853-1403. You can also check to see if your vehicle is involved in the recall at the NHTSA website.
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