Jeep recalling 228,000 Cherokees

DETROIT – Jeep is recalling more than 228,000 SUVs worldwide to fix a software problem that can cause side air bags to inflate for no reason.

The recall, which covers Jeep Cherokees from the 2014 and 2015 model years, is the latest in a recent string of auto industry troubles with air bags that include deployment without a crash and inflation with so much force that the air bags spew shrapnel at drivers or passengers.

Fiat Chrysler, which makes Jeeps, said there have been a small number of inadvertent air bag deployments in extreme maneuvers when drivers dramatically change the angle of travel. Canadian safety regulators say the problem occurred mainly in off-road situations. Sudden air bag inflation can startle drivers and cause crashes, but Chrysler says it’s not aware of any accidents or injuries.

Most of the recalled vehicles are in the U.S. and Canada. Dealers will recalibrate the software to change the threshold for inflating the air bags.