In the U.S., over 50 million vehicles have unrepaired safety recalls. It is critical for fleet operators to stay abreast of the latest recalls, as defects can be dangerous to your drivers as well as all other road users. Ford Motor Company and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently issued some significant recalls. The details follow.

Ford Motor Company

Ford has issued three recalls across various models for separate problems.

The automaker is recalling an estimated 47,683 2019-2021 Ford Ranger Super Cab vehicles because the front passenger outboard seat belt may not have been assembled properly, allowing the seat belt to be misrouted.

This scenario means that the occupant of the vehicle may not be properly restrained during a crash, increasing the likelihood of injury.

To fix the problem, Ford will provide owners with instructions to perform a preliminary inspection of their front seat belts. Owners that detect an issue with the driver's seat belt, are unsure of the results, or do not want to perform an inspection, should not drive their vehicles and contact a Ford dealership. Dealers will inspect the front row outboard seat belts and replace them, if necessary, free of charge.

Owner notification letters are will be mailed Nov. 15, 2021. Ford's number for this recall is 21C25.

In a second action, Ford is recalling approximately 1,036 2021 Bronco Sport vehicles because the moonroof glass may not have been bonded correctly to the moonroof frame, which could result in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle.

A detached glass panel could inadvertently fall into the road, become a hazard, and increase the risk of a crash or injury.

To remedy the matter, dealers will inspect the moonroof glass date code and replace the glass, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters will be mailed Nov. 29, 2021. Ford's number for this recall is 21S46.

In a third action, Ford is recalling an estimated 777 2022 Super Duty F-250, F-350, 2021 F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator vehicles for an air bag issue.

Specifically, the front-door side impact pressure sensor modules may have been damaged during supplier assembly, which can cause the side impact air bags to not deploy properly in a crash.

An air bag that malfunctions during a collision ups the chances for injury.

To fix the problem, dealers will replace the driver and passenger front door side impact sensors at no cost to owners. Owner notification letters will be mailed on or around Nov. 1, 2021. Ford's number for this recall is 21C26.

Owners can reach Ford customer service about any of these recalls at (866) 436-7332.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)

FCA is recalling an estimated 131,177 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 2500 pickup trucks, and Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines because an electrical short in the relay may cause a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Vehicle fires can be a serious hazard, increasing the risk of injury.

The automaker has not yet announced the remedy to this issue, which is currently in development. Presently, owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy has been performed.

Owner notification letters will be mailed Dec. 3, 2021. FCA’s number for this recall is Y76. Owners may contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403.