Fiat Chrysler Recalling 1.2 Million Minivans, SUVs For Possibly Projectile Steering Wheel Airbags

FCA is recalling over 1 million older Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Town & Country, and Dodge Nitros. The recall is worldwide is due to steering wheel airbags that could potentially contain projectiles.

If you’re thinking it sounds related to the infamous Takata recall, FCA has confirmed that the airbags were not supplied by Takata.

The NHTSA reports that more than 925,000 of the 1.2 million vehicles involved are located in the US. More specifically almost 200,000 Nitros from 2007 to 2011 along with Grand Caravans and Town & Country’s from 2008 to 2010 are included in the recall with an estimated 43% actually having the defect.

According to the automaker, “An FCA investigation discovered these vehicles are equipped with certain clips, no longer in use, that may–over time–loosen and disengage. Should these things happen, and there is a driver-side air bag deployment, the clips and/or plastic emblems they are meant to secure, may act as projectiles.”

Typically, these recalls are issued before any major injuries have occurred. Unfortunately, with these being older model vehicles, FCA is aware of 14 potentially related injuries, none of which involved occupants of front-passenger or rear seats.

Recall notices will be sent out next month and defective airbag covers will be replaced. Until then, FCA strongly advises against tampering with the emblems, which are located in the center of the vehicles’ steering wheels.