Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) recalls four Mopar Sophisticated Airbag Sensor modules with part number 68332579AA for the 2017 to 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. A software error in the airbag control module may cause the front airbags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. As such, this equipment fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.”
An airbag that deploys with excessive force can increase the risk of injury.
Some Occupant Restraint Controllers (“ORCs”) may have been built with airbag control module software that may improperly command a dual-stage front airbag deployment instead of the intended single-stage deployment in certain crashes.
Recall Chronology:
- On July 5, 2024, Mazda Motor Corporation notified Stellantis Europe S.p.A. of a potential issue related to the airbag control module.
- From July 2024 through September 2024, Stellantis Europe S.p.A. and Mazda reviewed vehicle records to understand the condition and determine the suspect population.
- On September 11, 2024, Mazda’s Quality Audit Committee determined to conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles.
- From September 11, 2024, through October 21, 2024, Stellantis Europe S.p.A. reviewed service part sales records to determine if any suspect parts were sold in the United States market.
- On October 22, 2024, Stellantis Europe S.p.A. determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected units.
The suspect part population includes ORCs sold to dealers from November 29, 2016, through August 31, 2018, and was determined using part sales records.
Dealers will inspect and replace or repurchase the airbag control module, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 18, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is B4B.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit nhtsa.gov.
