Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced Wednesday it is recalling more than 500,000 Jeep Wranglers worldwide after discovering a component in the vehicle’s airbag system may not function correctly in certain conditions.
The affected Wranglers are from the 2007-10 model years and right-hand drive vehicles from the 2011-16 model years, and are being recalled to inspect the clockspring – a part in the steering wheel that aids airbag deployment.
FCA released a statement saying that dust and dirt accumulated from off-road driving may compromise the clockspring and eventually prevent driver-side airbag deployment in a crash.
Affected clocksprings will activate the Wrangler’s airbag warning light and, if so, owners should notify their dealership, FCA said.
FCA said in its statement that the company is currently unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the clockspring issue. It discovered the problem following an investigation.
The company said it will install new steering-wheel back covers and steering-column shrouds on the affected vehicles after customers are notified.
In the U.S., the recall includes 392,464 Wranglers while, worldwide, 498,985 Wranglers are affected as well as another 7,435 right-hand drive vehicles.
This latest recall is one of many recently that has plagued FCA, and the company has responded with a revamp of its quality control department.
The automaker named one of its top executives, Scott Garberding, as the new global and North American head of quality on May 11th.
Garberding previously served as chief purchasing officer for FCA, but now will solely focus on improving the quality of FCA's cars and trucks.
