Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango Air Bag Problems Result in Recall of 184K SUV

About 184,000 Chrysler SUV’s may have a wiring defect that could cause airbag problems and disable other safety features, leading to a recall for Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles from the 2014 model year.

The recall was announced by Chrysler Group on October 14, after engineers realized the potential for the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) Module to short circuit and disable the air bags and seat-belt pretensioners.

Although Chrysler indicates that it is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue, the problems could increase the risk of serious or potentially life-threatening injury in an accident.

In the event the module in the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Dodge Durango SUVs were to short circuit, it would disable all safety restraints designed to keep passengers in the up-right position, posing a risk for passengers to experience more severe head and chest injuries.

The recall includes 184,215 model year 2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Chrysler estimated that about 126,772 of the recalled vehicles were sold in the United States, with 8,106 sold in Canada, 3,722 sold in Mexico, and another 45,615 that were distributed outside of North America.

The recalled ORC modules were supplied to Chrysler Group LLC, by Bosch engineering company. The same company provided a similar ORC module to Ford Motor Company that resulted in a massive 850,000 vehicle recall last month due to the ORC module short circuiting and disabling air bags.

Chrysler is preparing to notify owners of the issue and how to schedule a free ORC module replacement at a local certified dealer. Until the vehicles are repaired, customers are encouraged to continue using their seatbelts as normal. Customers with further questions should contact Chrysler Group Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.