AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -

Fiat Chrysler said on Friday that the automaker is voluntarily recalling an estimated 1 million trucks in the U.S. and more than 200,000 units in Canada to reprogram computer modules that help control restraint-system deployment in rollover situations.

Affected vehicles are certain 2013 through 2016 Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups, and 2014 through 2016 Ram 3500 pickups. The automaker said their occupant restraint control modules will be reprogramed with software that affords more robust sensor performance.

The OEM explained its own investigation identified a population of vehicles equipped with modules featuring certain types of sensors. If such a vehicle were subjected to a significant underbody impact, officials found that its module may erroneously conclude the sensor has failed and then activate an instrument-cluster warning light.

The automaker indicated the error code associated with the warning may temporarily disable side air bag and seat belt pretensioner deployment for that ignition cycle, which would then be unavailable in the event of a vehicle rollover. The company pointed out pretensioners reduce seat belt slack during impacts, thereby reducing forward movement of the occupant’s head and torso.

“Deployment suppression is a feature of restraint systems. It serves as a potential safeguard against inadvertent system activation, should a sensor failure actually occur,” the OEM said.

If the warning light is illuminated, Fiat Chrysler noted normal restraint-system function may be restored by turning the vehicle’s ignition to “off,” and then to “on/run.”

“Function restoration may be verified by the absence of a warning light,” the company added.

However, FCA is urging affected customers to follow the instructions on their recall notices. The company is aware of one fatality, two injuries and two accidents that may be related.

The company went on to mention the recall also affects an estimated 216,007 vehicles in Canada, 21,668 in Mexico and 21,530 outside the NAFTA region.

“Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service,” OEM officials said. “As always, the company urges all customers to use seat belts when operating or riding in any motor vehicle.”

Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403.