More than 5500 Chrysler 300s recalled

A total of 5508 Chrysler 300 vehicles have been recalled in Australia to fix an issue that could "result in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the vehicle occupants".

That's the word from the ACCC, which issued the recall for vehicles made between 2005 and 2010, following a previous recall issued for 4500 of those 5508 vehicles.

In a worst-case scenario, drivers of the Chrysler 300 could be showered with metal shrapnel due to the fitment of faulty airbag inflator housing parts supplied by Japanese supplier Takata.

This recall was issued on June 2 and so far the Takata-supplied airbags, which can deploy improperly if a crash occurs, have affected more than 20 different car brands totalling more than 40 million vehicles globally.

Subaru was the most recent brand affected in Australia, where almost half a million vehicles are now involved — many of which won't be repaired until next year due to a lack of replacement parts.

For this particular recall, Fiat Chrysler Australia (FCA) will contact the owners of affected vehicles, who will be encouraged to take their vehicle to an official Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge dealer for inspection.

Meantime, FCA has also issued recalls for four other vehicles:

The issues for the Cherokee and Wrangler relate to clutch interlock switches that "may contain a return spring that fatigues". In other words, the engine can be started without the clutch pedal depressed.

The Chrysler Grand Voyager and Dodge Journey meanwhile are being recalled for a potentially faulty ignition barrel that can result in "unintended engine shut off", according to the ACCC recall notice.

The recalls bring to seven the number of Fiat Chrysler group recalls in Australia this year – one fewer than GM Holden and one more than Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz. The US car-maker issued a record 16 recalls last year and 13 in 2013.