Photo of Jeep Patriot courtesy of FCA US.

Photo of Jeep Patriot courtesy of FCA US.

FCA US is recalling an estimated 1.4 million vehicles in the U.S. because their air bags and seat belt pretensioners might malfunction during certain kinds of crashes.

The automaker said it’s aware of three fatalities and five injuries that may be related to the condition. The recall covers 2010-MY Chrysler Sebring, 2011- to 2014-MY Chrysler 200, 2010- to 2012-MY Dodge Caliber, 2010- to 2014-MY Dodge Avenger, and 2010- to 2014-MY Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles. Dealers will remedy the problem free of charge.

The issue is tied to a particular occupant restraint control module and the front impact sensor wiring of a specific design, FCA US said. The risk is present during certain types of collisions. An FCA US analysis of field events and vehicle data prompted the safety recall.

“If all these factors are present, there may be an increased potential for occupant injury,” FCA US said in a released statement. An additional 142,959 vehicles are subject to recall in Canada. In Mexico, 81,901 vehicles, including the 2010-MY Chrysler Cirrus compact car, will be recalled for this issue. A total of 284,051 vehicles, including the 2012- to 2013-MY Lancia Flavia, will be recalled outside of North America.

Vehicle owners can reach the FCA US Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403.

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