Stellantis and Ford have announced recalls affecting a combined 530,000 vehicles because of operational issues that can pose safety risks.
Ford is recalling over 310,000 U.S. trucks because the driver's front airbag may fail to inflate during a crash. The recall specifically applies to certain 2016 model year F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks.
The problem arises when dust accumulates in a cable within the steering wheel, disrupting the electrical connection with the airbag. Warning signs may include unusual noises, malfunctioning steering wheel switches, an inoperative horn, or the illumination of an airbag warning light.
Ford has not received reports of any accidents or injuries resulting from the issue. However, the automaker will begin notifying affected vehicle owners on July 5. Owners must bring their vehicles to a dealer to replace the steering wheel wiring assembly at no charge.
Stellantis is advising owners of approximately 220,000 Jeep Cherokee SUVs worldwide to park their vehicles outdoors and away from other cars because of potential risk of fire from the vehicle’s power liftgates, even when the engines are off.
The recall affects Cherokees manufactured between 2014 and 2016.
The automaker reports an electrical short circuit that can cause a fire occurs when water infiltrates the liftgate control computer. The issue was discovered during a routine examination of customer data.
Stellantis is working on a solution for the problem and will start sending notification letters to owners on June 30.
