According to sources, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV will be recalling a whopping 570, 000 SUVs in relation to fire risks which are linked to issues with a low pressure hose and vanity mirror wiring. Fiat Chrysler is one of the biggest makers of new cars in the US.
Fiat Chrysler is announcing these recalls in a situation where safety efforts undertaken by it are already under the scanner of US regulators. The company had earlier agreed to pay $70 million in fines for its failure to report vehicle crash injuries and deaths since the year 2003. The company will be recalling 477, 000 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs out of the entire lot. This comes after an investigation opened by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the US relating to whether vehicles serviced in earlier recalls were at risk of fires.
According to Fiat Chrysler, overheating was reported for 0.02% of vehicles serviced in earlier recalls. The company also stated that if the recall procedure was not suitably followed, this would leave vehicles vulnerable to short-circuits, thereby creating fire related hazards. Dealerships will be securing overhead lining wiring of these SUVs with new adhesives. 93, 000 Jeep Compass and Patriot SUVs from 2015 will also be recalled for inspection and replacement of the clamp securing a low pressure return hose wherever required.
Clamps for some cars that were produced in a five month duration may be out of suitable position. This may cause loss of power steering fluid rapidly and thereby lead to fire hazards. Steering problems may also be faced by owners. The recalls encompass 413, 000 SUVs in the US, 108, 000 outside North America, 16, 000 in Mexico and 32, 000 in Canada. Fiat stated how it was not aware of crashes or injuries connected with the new recalls.
NHTSA had earlier imposed a fine on Fiat Chrysler for failing to report injuries and crash deaths since 2003 which resulted from issues in the electronic system for reporting and monitoring safety data. Fiat Chrysler also agreed to fork out $105 million as a settlement for mishandling of almost two dozen recall procedures that covered a whopping 11 million vehicles.
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