Software Error Leads to Excessive Airbag Deployment

  • Mazda and Fiat Chrysler recall vehicles due to software error in airbag-control modules manufactured by Robert Bosch GmbH’s North American subsidiary
  • The error may cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force during a crash
  • Mazda recalls 77,670 MX-5 models from 2016 to 2023, Fiat Chrysler recalls 15,835 Fiat 124 Spider models from 2017 to 2020
  • Dealers can fix the issue by reprogramming the control module at no cost
  • Mazda discovered the error during development of new airbag sensors and notified Stellantis Europe, Fiat Chrysler’s parent company
  • No crashes or injuries reported in connection with the issue
  • Recall is related to incorrect accelerometer-voltage specifications, not a part defect

Mazda and Fiat Chrysler have issued recalls for their vehicles due to a software error in airbag-control modules manufactured by Robert Bosch GmbH’s North American subsidiary. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that the error may cause front airbags to deploy with excessive force during a crash. Mazda 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 issue 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. 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. Bosch stated that ‘The decision to make any comments regarding recalls, as well as the responsibility for them, lies with the automaker concerned.’

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about the recalls, the affected models and manufacturers, the cause of the issue, and the steps being taken to fix it. It also includes statements from the involved parties.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about a software error in airbag-control modules and the subsequent recalls by Mazda and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. It also mentions the manufacturer Robert Bosch GmbH and the steps taken to fix the issue. However, it lacks analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences.
Public Companies: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU), Stellantis (STLA)
Private Companies: Robert Bosch GmbH
Key People: Dean Seal (Author)

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Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Automobile industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses recalls by Mazda and Fiat Chrysler due to a software error in airbag-control modules manufactured by Robert Bosch GmbH, which may impact the companies’ reputation and potentially lead to financial consequences. It also mentions the component manufacturer, Robert Bosch LLC, which could face legal or reputational risks.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article and it doesn’t meet the criteria of an extreme event happening in the last 48 hours.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: Automotive
Direction: Down
Magnitude: Small
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.marketwatch.com