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Fiat Chrysler has issued a major pickup truck recall for a software issue that has been linked to one fatality. The recall affects around 1.02 million Dodge Ram pickups. The defect allows the airbags and seatbelt tension devices to become disabled if the underbody of the truck is struck. This is what allegedly occurred in a 2014 crash involving a 2014 Ram 1500 pickup. The crash resulted in a lawsuit claiming the airbags and seatbelt devices failed.
Fiat Chrysler’s investigation into the defect found that a significant impact to the truck’s underbody could cause the vehicle’s computer modules to generate an error that would disable these devices. According to the carmaker, this defect is linked to one death, two injuries and two accidents.
The pickup truck recall will begin next month. Dealers will reprogram the computer modules so that the safety devices do not become disabled in a crash. Drivers awaiting repairs should heed the warning lights on the dash that will illuminate if these devices fail. If this does happen, drivers can restore the safety features by turning the ignition off and on again.
Automaker Faces Scrutiny for Safety Issues
Fiat Chrysler’s vehicles have faced several safety issues in recent years. In 2015, the automaker recalled more than 1 million vehicles for a defect that could cause parked vehicles to roll away. In fact, this defect was to blame for Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin’s death. Yelchin died just two months after Fiat Chrysler recalled the vehicles.
The company also received a $105 million penalty in 2015 for failing to complete recalls, as well as a $70 million fine for underreporting deaths and injuries linked to vehicle defects. Since then, Fiat Chrysler has overhauled its safety protocol.
Owners of vehicles affected by the recall should receive notification soon. The vehicles identified in the pickup truck recall are 2013-2016 model year Ram 1500 and 2500 vehicles, as well as 2014-2016 model year Ram 3500 pickups.
“Disabled airbags and seatbelt restraints are serious safety concerns. If you own one of these vehicles, be sure to have it repaired promptly to avoid a potentially deadly incident,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.
Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.
DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.
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