2017 FIAT 500X

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Fiat 500X vehicles. When the vehicle has a tire with low tire pressure, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Risk: Driving a vehicle with an underinflated tire may result in tire failure and increase the risk of a crash.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The component that failed is the RFHM module in the rear driver side wheel well of the car. Due to water leaking into the car, the RFHM module is taking on water damage causing several electrical systems to fail including power steering, airbags, and starter. Both current RFHM and previously damaged RFHM module are available I believe. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - As the car takes on water, the module fills internally with water as well. When this happens, several components of the car begin to go haywire including security, power steering, airbags, and other electronic readers. When this happens going down the road, my car has and can potentially shut itself off which is very dangerous going down a highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - I first diagnosed what was going on through with my car through other online forums of people experiencing the same problems. I took my vehicle to my mechanic where he ordered a new RFHM Module and had a mobile locksmith acquire a new key. The locksmith was able to program one old key and one new key with the new module and the car was good to go again. Now, six months later, the same issue is happening with the same piece of equipment. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - I have not pursued this yet but will be in touch with the manufacturer tomorrow. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - There is no way to know when the car will work or when it won't after it rains or after a car wash. The symptoms come on suddenly and take time to dry out to be useable again.