Auburn Hills, Mich. – March 15, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler has recalled almost 300 vehicles equipped with defective tire-pressure sensors and dash lights. The recall impacts Fiat 500X compact sport utility vehicles produced between December 2017 and January 2017, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Approximately 100 percent of vehicles named in the recall have damaged tire-pressure sensor assemblies.
The Defect
Tire-pressure sensors and dash lights may malfunction in affected models. This increases the likelihood of an accident, as pressure could suddenly decrease and cause the vehicles to swerve. Even minor air unknown air leakage can impact driving capabilities and result in an accident. The defective features do not comport with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which dictate that dash lights must illuminate in the event that one or more tires loses pressure while operating.
Timeline of Events
On Feb. 17, 2017, the Auburn Hills-based electronics manufacturer that supplied the pressure sensor components conducted a quality assessment and noticed that the parts did not comply with American vehicle standards. The firm, Magneti Marelli Electronics, then notified Fiat Chrysler. The car maker’s Vehicle Regulations Committee reviewed the results of the review and decided to conduct a voluntary recall on Feb. 28. Simultaneously, Magneti evaluated its production methods and introduced a new workflow that yielded parts compliant with U.S. vehicle fabrication regulations. These new processes were launched March 3, mitigating the likelihood of any future defects.
The Solution
Fiat Chrysler intends to notify both dealers and owners on April 21. Dealers will be required to replace the instrument panels in affected vehicles, according to the NHTSA. Owners will pay for these repairs up front and then submit receipts to Fiat Chrysler for reimbursement.
