Fiat recalls nearly 30,000 Fiat 500L models

Wed, 30 Jul 2014

Fiat has announced a recall of 29,500 Fiat 500L hatchbacks in the US and Canadian markets due to concerns that the roomiest member of the Fiat range features knee airbags that won't deploy unless the occupant's seatbelt is fastened.

There have been no injuries reported due to this issue, which affects vehicles from model years 2014 and 2015. Of the nearly 30,000 vehicles covered in this recall, 25,500 come from the US market, while the remaining 4,000 are from Canada. It's not clear what the underlying cause of this issue is.

Fiat knows of no injuries relating to this problem. As per usual, owners will be notified and asked to report in for a free repair.

Scroll down for a brief statement from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Statement: Knee Airbags
July 30, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group LLC will recall an estimated 29,500 cars to replace their knee airbags.

The action follows routine testing that suggests the supplemental restraint – designed to protect a driver's knees – may not deploy in the proper position if the driver is not wearing a seatbelt. Chrysler Group recommends that all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts.

The Company is unaware of any related injuries. The recall involves an estimated 25,500 model-year 2014 and 2015 Fiat 500L models in the U.S., and 4,000 in Canada. Affected owners will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed at no cost to them.

In the interim, owners are advised to wear their seatbelts. Owners also may call Chrysler Group's Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

By Brandon Turkus