Mazda, Fiat Chrysler Recall Vehicles Over Bosch Airbag Controls — Update

By Dean Seal

Mazda and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles both issued recalls over a software error in airbag-control modules manufactured by Robert Bosch GmbH's North American subsidiary.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in two reports that the error may cause the front airbags to deploy with excessive force during a crash.

Mazda's North American unit is recalling 77,670 of its MX-5 models produced from 2016 to 2023, while Fiat Chrysler is recalling 15,835 of its Fiat 124 Spider models produced from 2017 to 2020. Dealers can fix the issues by reprogramming the control module at no cost.

Both recall reports identify Robert Bosch LLC, the Farmington Hills, Mich.-based subsidiary of the privately held German company as the component manufacturer.

Mazda discovered the error during development of new airbag sensors and notified Stellantis Europe, the Italian subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler parent company Stellantis. Mazda isn't aware of any crashes or injuries reported in connection with the issue, NHTSA said.

In its report, Fiat Chrysler said the recall is related to a design issue where accelerometer-voltage specifications were set incorrectly and not a part defect.

"The decision to make any comments regarding recalls, as well as the responsibility for them, lies with the automaker concerned," Bosch said in a statement.

Write to Dean Seal at dean.seal@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 27, 2024 17:12 ET (21:12 GMT)

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