Fiat Chrysler Recalls 1.3 Million Vehicles

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles issued two recalls affecting more than 1.3 million vehicles worldwide.

One case involves older-model crossovers and can lead to “inadvertent deployment of the driver-side front air bag.” The company says it is aware of five potentially related minor accidents, but no injuries.

The recall affects 770,853 vehicles around the world, including certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journeys sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico and certain 2011-2015 Fiat Freemont crossovers sold outside North America, the company said in a news release.

The problems are a result of wiring that may “chafe against pieces of steering-wheel trim, potentially causing a short-circuit. This may lead to a second short-circuit that is potentially capable of generating inadvertent deployment of the driver-side front air bag,” the company said.

Before that happens though, drivers might experience an illuminated air-bag warning light, unintended wiper operation, inoperable switches or some combination, and are urged to contact their dealers.

In another case, the company is recalling 565,647 vehicles so the alternators can be replaced.

The issues involved can compromise the vehicles’ anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control, although basic brake function is not affected, a company news release said. There have been no injuries, but two accidents are potentially related.

The recall affects certain 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Challenger coupes, Dodge Durango SUVs and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs equipped with electro-hydraulic power steering.

Drivers in the affected vehicles who see an instrument-cluster warning light, see smoke or smell a burning odor, are urged to contact their dealers. The company expects to notify affected customers in both recalls by mail so they can schedule service.