Another week, another airbag issue of some sort. No, this is not more news from the ongoing Takata recall, but a recall for some airbag sensors. This one comes to us from Dodge who is recalling more than 300,000 Chargers for door sensors that are too… sensitive. Apparently, if you slam the door too hard, or kick the door hard enough, the side curtain airbags can deploy. I just want to know how many lover’s quarrels it took to figure this problem out.
The affected models are between the years of 2011 and 2014, with total potentially affected models sitting at 322,078 units. Only 284, 153 of those are in the US with the rest being cars sold elsewhere in the world. According to the press release, the issue with doors actually has to do with the door design, so hopefully we won’t see a similar recall for the 300 any time soon. Thankfully there are only three minor injuries that may be related to this flaw, and there are no major injuries or deaths.
If you own a Charger in this year range, keep your eyes on your mailbox and your phone to see if you get contacted.
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PRESS RELEASE
August 1, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – FCA US LLC is conducting a voluntary safety recall to recalibrate control modules on approximately 284,153 U.S.-market sedans to prevent inadvertent side-curtain air-bag and seatbelt pre-tensioner deployment.
FCA US launched an investigation of certain cars following preliminary findings of a similar investigation involving certain trucks. The latter probe determined some trucks may be equipped with modules that have low deployment thresholds, a finding that triggered a recall in July 2015.
http://media.fcanorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=16859&mid=
The car investigation since revealed inadvertent side-curtain air-bag deployment may occur if the vehicles’ doors are kicked or slammed with excessive force. The Company is aware of three potentially related injuries, all described as minor, but no accidents.
This latest campaign is limited to certain model-year 2011-2014 Dodge Chargers. Their modules have a unique calibration, which is influenced by door design.
Also subject to recall are additional vehicles approximating 13,169 in Canada, 2,484 in Mexico and 22,272 outside the NAFTA region.
Potentially related complaints account for less than 0.01 percent of the total recall population.
Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed free of charge. In the interim, FCA US advises owners of these vehicles to exercise caution when closing doors
Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.
