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FCA recalling 400k Jeep Wranglers, 40k Fiat 500s

The Basics: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued two recall. The first is for 392,464 Jeep Wranglers in the US from the 2007-2010 model years for the steering wheel airbags. The second covers 39,217 examples of the naturally aspirated 2012-2016 Fiat 500 in connection with the clutch release mechanism. The Problem: In the Wranglers' steering wheel, excessive accumulation of dust and dirt from open-air driving off-road could compromise the clockspring in the steering-wheel assembly and prevent the airbag from deploying in the event of a crash. In the case of the Fiats, the clutch travel in a small percentage of vehicles equipped with manual transmissions "may exceed design parameters" and eventually damage components. Injuries/Deaths: No injuries or accidents been reported to result from either issue. The fix: Dealers will install new back covers and column shrouds in the Jeeps and upgrade the clutch release systems in the 500s. If you own one: Expect to hear from the manufacturer to arrange service. In the case of the Fiat recall particularly, FCA "urges customers to heed the instructions on their recall notices." Related Video: Statement: Clockspring May 18, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 392,464 older-model SUVs in the U.S. to replace their clockspring assemblies and related components. Located in a vehicle's steering wheel, a clockspring forms part of the circuit that helps control airbag function. An investigation by FCA US determined excessive exposure to dust and dirt – consistent with extensive off-road driving or driving with a vehicle's top and/or doors removed – may compromise the clockspring and eventually prevent driver-side airbag deployment in a crash. If this condition is present, the airbag warning-lamp will be illuminated. If such an event occurs, customers are advised to contact their dealers. The Company is unaware any potentially related injuries or accidents. Affected by this campaign are model-year 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler SUVs. An additional 7,435 model-year 2011-2016 vehicles equipped with right-hand drive for special duty also are affected in the U.S. Vehicles affected outside the U.S. comprise an estimated 35,412 in Canada; 8,529 in Mexico and 62,580 outside the NAFTA region. Customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which includes installation of a new steering-wheel back cover and a steering-column shroud.

470,000 Jeep Liberty, Chrysler 200, and Dodge Avenger models recalled for restraint defect

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said on Friday it is recalling 470,000 vehicles worldwide to replace a component that may inhibit deployment of the vehicles' active head restraints in the event of a crash. Around 414,000 of those vehicles were sold in the United States. Apparently, "a component common to the modules of certain vehicles may degrade after extensive vehicle use." The recall covers 2012 Jeep Liberty sport utility vehicles and 2012-13 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize cars. FCA says a warning light may alert owners to the problem. The Italian-American automaker said it is unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the recall. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the issue in June. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) Related Video:

FCA delays Grand Wagoneer and next-generation heavy-duty Ram trucks

The upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer has had a tumultuous gestation thus far. At one point it was essentially confirmed, but later it was rumored to have been cancelled. In that context, the latest report from Automotive News is something of a mixed blessing. According to the publication, the Grand Wagoneer has simply been delayed, as has the next-generation Ram heavy duty truck line. This does not seem to affect the fully redesigned Ram 1500, which was previously reported to have been pushed back slightly to 2019. Automotive News says the information came from unnamed sources at the company. Nothing was said about how long the vehicles would be delayed. The publication also conjectures that FCA is delaying the models to save some money to help cover the company's $7 billion of debt , since re-tooling both the heavy-duty truck plant and eventual Grand Wagoneer plant will be expensive. View 6 Photos We reached out to Chrysler for more information on the subject, but the company wouldn't comment on the report. Even so, we wouldn't be too surprised if FCA is indeed delaying these products. The company has delayed a number of vehicles in recent years. In fact nearly every major FCA truck and SUV, including the Grand Wagoneer and Ram line, were delayed about a year and a half ago. We certainly hope the company doesn't delay the Grand Wagoneer for too long, since it's possible it will have a price tag of over $130,000. The profit margins on an SUV with that kind of MSRP would go a long way to helping to pay down the company's debt. Related Video: