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Technical Air Bag Failure Light/Message

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Technical Air Bag Failure Light/Message

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randyj1964

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Aug 21, 2013
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I purchased a 2012 Fiat 500 Sport on July 27, 2013. It was brand new with only 15 miles. I now have 1300 miles on it and will be visiting the dealer for the 4th time for the air bag failure warning light/message. The first visit they just reset the code. Second visit they kept the car overnight and replaced the driver side side curtain airbag. About 3 days later, the light came on again. Took it back for the third time and they said they would need to replace the ECU (control module). One week later the part finally came in. Now after driving it for 6 days the light came on again. I think I have a lemon and considering getting an attorney to get the vehicle replaced. Anyone have thoughts?
 
randyj1964 said:
Anyone have thoughts?
Click to expand...

Bummer. You have been unlucky.

There is obviously something wrong with the car which the dealer has so far failed to diagnose. It could be something simple, which once replaced will provide a permanent fix, but if a dealer with a full set of factory diagnostic tools can't find the fault, it's unlikely that even an educated guess on an internet forum is going to do any better.

After four failed attempts to fix it, you'd have a good case under UK law to reject the car, but I don't know the legal situation stateside.

The most practical suggestion I can make is to take it to a different dealer, in the hope that they are more competent.
 
randyj1964 said:
I purchased a 2012 Fiat 500 Sport on July 27, 2013. It was brand new with only 15 miles. I now have 1300 miles on it and will be visiting the dealer for the 4th time for the air bag failure warning light/message. The first visit they just reset the code. Second visit they kept the car overnight and replaced the driver side side curtain airbag. About 3 days later, the light came on again. Took it back for the third time and they said they would need to replace the ECU (control module). One week later the part finally came in. Now after driving it for 6 days the light came on again. I think I have a lemon and considering getting an attorney to get the vehicle replaced. Anyone have thoughts?
Click to expand...


If i were you i would just call Fiat USA directly and see what they say, before paying for an attorney. They may be able to help you and sort out your problems.
 
Been in contact with Fiat USA - they are reviewing my case to see if it meets the requirements for lemon law in the state of california. Hopefully I'll have an answer Monday.
 
randyj1964 said:
Been in contact with Fiat USA - they are reviewing my case to see if it meets the requirements for lemon law in the state of california. Hopefully I'll have an answer Monday.
Click to expand...

That sounds a bit like asking a criminal to decide whether or not they have committed a crime.

Have a read of this, if you haven't already done so.

If the airbag light is on, then the airbags will almost certainly not deploy in the event of a serious crash. IMO that is a condition likely to result in death or serious injury, therefore the following should apply:

"During the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the "Lemon Law" presumes that a manufacturer has had a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle if either (1) The same problem results in a condition that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven and the problem has been subject to repair two or more times by the manufacturer or its agents, and the buyer or lessee has at least once directly notified the manufacturer of the need for the repair of the problem as provided in the warranty or owner's manual"

Everyone else please note this reply has absolutely no relevance unless you live in the State of California.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, jrkitching. I should have an answer from Fiat USA on Monday re whether they will replace the vehicle under the lemon law. My vehicle is still in the service center - earliest I could get it back would be Tuesday. For the month I've owned the vehicle, it has spent 1/2 the time in the service center. Does not make me a happy owner.
 
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