With all the recent reports about airbags that could shoot shrapnel into a car, it can be easy to forget that the opposite issue can also be problematic. Indeed, Stellantis is now recalling 38,164 Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles due to an airbag defect that might prevent deployment altogether.
The problem affects several model year 2023 and 2024 vehicles, all of which were produced between March 30 and August 16 of last year. The problem stems from a component built by Stellantis supplier American Furukawa, Inc.
The automaker first became aware of the issue in November when it discovered that some steering column control modules had internal welds performed poorly. This could result in inadequate adhesion between a crucial cable and the busbar.
Vehicles Potentially Affected
If this occurs and the vehicle is involved in a crash, the deployment signal may fail to reach the driver airbag module, resulting in the airbag not deploying. Aside from failing to meet National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations, this could also pose significant safety risks.
Fortunately, drivers will at least be alerted to the presence of an issue. If the cable becomes disconnected from the busbar, the airbag warning light will illuminate in the vehicle’s instrument panel cluster.
Read: Don’t Take Your 2016 Jeep Wrangler Too Far Off-Road, Because It May Cause The Airbag To Fail
Affected vehicles include certain 2023 to 2024 Chrysler Pacificas and Voyagers, Jeep Gladiators, Grand Cherokees, Grand Wagoneers, Wagoneers, and Wranglers, as well as certain Ram 1500s, 2500s, 3500s, 3500 Cab Chassis, including those with a GVWR of less than 10,000 lbs, 4500s, and 5500s.
Stellantis plans to start reaching out to owners on May 3, and will ask them to return their vehicles to a nearby dealership. There, the steering column will be inspected, and will be replaced where necessary. The new part will include a clockspring with a properly welded cable to busbar connection.
