Car manufacturer Chrysler Group this week issued two recalls for nearly 800,000 vehicles over airbag and head-restraint system flaws.
One recall involves 282,000 minivans that have flawed airbag-control software. The software is programmed to deploy side airbags on the opposite side of a vehicle from the side that is impacted. Chrysler stated it is aware of three accidents and one “minor” injury related to the defect.
The affected vehicles include 2013 Dodge Grand Caravans, 2013 Chrysler Town & Countrys, and 2013 Ram Cargo Vans. Owners of these vehicles have been notified and will be able to have their airbag-control software patched at no cost.
The other recall involves 490,000 cars and SUVs that have flawed head-restraint systems. Head-restraint systems are designed to move head-restraints forward during collisions, preventing neck injuries. Microcontrollers in the recalled vehicles could be faulty, preventing the active head-restraint system from working. Chrysler has stated that no accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of this particular defect.
The vehicles with the faulty microcontrollers include the 2011 to 2013 Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 200, Dodge Avenger, 2011 to 2013 Jeep Liberty, and 2011 to 2012 Dodge Nitro. Most of the recalled vehicles were sold in the U.S., but some were sold in Canada, Mexico, and outside North America.