Fiat Chrysler recalls 1.9m cars over seatbelt issue

[WASHINGTON] Fiat Chrysler's US unit FCA US recalled 1.9 million cars on Thursday for a problem that could prevent the airbags from deploying, a defect tied to at least three deaths, The 1.9 million cars comprised 1.4 million inside the United States, 143,000 in Canada, and the rest in other countries.

Models involved include the Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 200, Dodge Caliber and Avenger, and Jeep Patriot and Compass from varying model years between 2010 and 2014.

The recall also includes models marketed in other countries as the Chrysler Cirrus and Lancia Flavia.

FCA US said a fault in the occupant restraint-control module and a front impact sensor could cause the airbags to not deploy and seat-belt tensioners to malfunction in an accident.

FCA said it was aware of three fatalities and five injuries related to the problem.

Despite the recall, Wall Street-traded shares of Italy-based Fiat Chrysler Automobiles were up 2.0 per cent near the end of trade.

AFP