Chrysler is recalling more than 919,000 older-model Jeep SUVs worldwide, including more than 49,000 in Canada, because the air bags can inflate while people are driving.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Friday the recall affects Jeep Grand Cherokees from the 2002 through 2004 model years. Also covered are Jeep Libertys from model years 2002 and 2003.
Chrysler Canada says the 49,430 vehicles involved in the recall in Canada are evenly divided between the two models. In addition to Canada, the recall involves 745,000 SUVs in the U.S. and 22,000 in Mexico. The rest are outside North America.
A part can fail in the air bag control computer, and the front and side air bags can inflate while the SUVs are being driven. An investigation by the safety agency found that the air bags went off 215 times, causing 81 minor injuries.
No crashes were reported. Chrysler said dashboard warning lights normally come on before the air bags are inflated. If that happens, the driver should contact a Jeep dealer. Chrysler, which makes Jeeps, will install an electrical harness to fix the problem. It will begin notifying owners of the recall in January.
