Couple says Fiat Chrysler refused to repair recalled airbags

NORTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fiat Chrysler says it will further investigate the case of a North Fulton County couple whose side airbags went off without warning.

"This is major, major stuff. If you're driving and these air bags blow, you could have a tremendous accident. It's traumatic and dramatic," said Jeep owner Ron Preklasa.%

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Preklasa had received two recall notices about the defect that could inadvertently blow the bags in his 2003 Grand Cherokee.

He called Fiat Chrysler after the second notice came in January.

"They told me that they don't have the parts, but that we will get another notice in the future when the parts are available," he said.

Preklasa showed Channel 2's Jim Strickland the handwritten notes he took as the conversation unfolded.

An additional notification did not come. The defect deployed the airbags in May, and the Preklasas and Fiat Chrysler have been at odds ever since.

"We figured, 'Well, it's covered.' And I guess not, because we got a letter that says it's just not their fault," said Irene Preklasa.

Fiat Chrylser wrote that the parts were available in ample time to have the repair done had Preklasa made an appointment.

The company refused to pay for a repair estimated at $4,000.

Prekalsa has learned the front airbags now won't work either.

"Are you afraid to be in this car sometimes?" Strickland asked.

"At times," Irene Preklasa said.

Strickland's contact at the company said on Monday that he would attempt to pull a recording of Preklasa's phone call to determine whether he got any inaccurate information.

"Just the fact that you and the group at WSB have responded has been fantastic. To me, I have already won," said Preklasa.

Cox Media Group