Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has issued a recall for 9896 vehicles across its 2011 to 2015 Dodge ‘JC’ Journey and Fiat ‘JF’ Freemont model lines over concerns a faulty steering wheel harness could cause the airbag to deploy randomly.
The manufacturer reports that the steering wheel wire harness may become trapped between a tab on the wheel plastic back cover and the edge of the horn plate.
If the condition occurs, the horn plate could rub through the wire insulation, resulting in an electrical short circuit that could cause the driver’s airbag to deploy – posing a hazard and safety risk to the driver and vehicle occupants.
Above: 2015 Dodge Journey, Top: 2015 Fiat Freemont
A VIN list for the affected vehicles can be viewed here.
Owners of the recalled Dodge and Fiat SUVs will be contacted directly by FCA Australia, and will be advised to schedule a service booking with their local dealer to have the steering wheel harness inspected and, if necessary, replaced.
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