US government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss

Washington, D.C. August 13, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, over allegations that their hybrid SUVs may lose power.

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 94,275 vehicles, including: 

  •  2021 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler 
  •  2022 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 
  •  2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV

Some of these vehicles were already recalled over the same issue in December 2022. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 5, 2024, following 68 complaints of vehicles suddenly shutting down.

Background of the investigation 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV was already recalled for this issue in December 2022, as reported. 

However, following the recall, NHTSA received complaints concerning the remedied cars and ones that were not part of the original recall but experienced the same issue.

The investigation was thus opened to both to assess the effectiveness of the previous recall,  as well as to determine whether other models are also affected. 

Risks

A vehicle that stalls is difficult to control. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Other Jeep recalls

In March 2024, Stellantis recalled Jeep Wrangler and  Grand Cherokee hybrids over reduced visibility, as reported.

In May 2024, over 12,000 Jeep Cherokees were recalled due to faulty turn signals, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Jeep stall recall, affecting almost 95,000 hybrid SUVs. To do a Jeep recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss

Stellantis issues second recall for Chrysler Pacifica minivans that may catch fire; four people injured

Auburn Hills, MI August 8, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler brand, is recalling 19,516 2017-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) that may catch fire while parked and turned off. 

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and serves as an expansion and a replacement of a 2022 recall for the same issue. It appears that even with the new remedy the defect will not be fully resolved. 

Recall summary

These minivans have a high-voltage battery, which powers the electric motor that assists the conventional engine. Due to a supplier error – and a second, “unidentified factor’’ – the batteries may develop an electric short and burst into flames. 

Recall risks

A vehicle fire may result in injuries to its occupants, cause property damage and smoke inhalation issues for people in the area. In fact, this is exactly what happened in one of the accidents leading up to the recall where two family members of the affected owner experienced “adverse health consequences” following a fire which took “hours” to extinguish.

Safety tips 

The manufacturer advises drivers to park the vehicles away from structures and “refrain from recharging them” until the issue is fixed.

Background of the recall

The 2017-2018 Pacificas were recalled for the same issue in 2022 on the back of multiple fires and a complaint that described one of the cars “exploding into a fireball,” as reported. 

Leading up to the present recall, the manufacturer received reports of at least two fires and 14 customer complaints regarding both vehicles that were previously repaired and vehicles outside of the original recall. There have been at least four injuries related to the defect.

US government investigation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the adequacy and the root cause of the 2022 recall in January 2024.

The repair

Dealers will update the battery software to equip with an ability to look for conditions that could lead to a fire. In addition, they will inspect the battery and replace it if needed. All repairs will be free of charge. However, it is not clear how the remedy will address the second, undetermined factor.

The owners should receive notifications on or around September 6, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 20,000 hybrid minivans are affected by this Chrysler fire recall. To do a Chrysler recall check or check for other Chrysler recalls, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis issues second recall for Chrysler Pacifica minivans that may catch fire; four people injured

Stellantis recalls Jeep SUVs due to faulty airbags

Auburn Hills, MI  – August 20, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 44,708 SUVs due to a problem with the side airbags. This increases the potential of injury in a collision. 

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Wagoneer 
  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneer

Recall summary  

The side curtain airbags are located inside the vehicle’s B-pillar, which sits in between their first and second doors.

In the affected vehicles, the B-pillar trim is ill-fitting. This could prevent the side curtain airbag from deploying properly in the event of a crash.

Recall risks

An airbag that does not deploy will not be able to protect occupants in the event of a crash, upping the risk of injury. 

Other Jeep recalls

In April 2023, Stellantis recalled 45,711 vehicles including the 2021-2023 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Wrangler, over a problem with the high-pressure fuel pump which could cause the vehicle to stall, as reported.

In July 2023, the 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee was included in a Stellantis recall over an issue which could affect the vehicle’s stability, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will reseat or replace the B-pillar trim on all affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse vehicle owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued.  

Owners will be notified by September 22, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 44,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep B-pillar recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep SUVs due to faulty airbags

Stellantis recalls SUVs over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures   

Auburn Hills, MI – June 10, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 132,099 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee SUVs because they can catch fire, upping the risk of an injury and crash.

This recall supersedes two previous recalls conducted for the same issue and comes on the back of multiple customer complaints. Vehicles that have already received repairs will need a new remedy. 

Recall summary  

Listed SUVs have a power liftgate, which is an electrically operated trunk lid that opens and closes at a touch of a button. Its operation is controlled by a module, which, in the affected vehicles, may suffer from water intrusion. This can result in an electrical short and cause the SUV to catch fire while driving or parked. 

Recall risks

You can find more about fire-related risks in this Hyundai recall from July 2022

Safety tips

As vehicles can catch fire while being driven or while parked, owners are also advised to park away from structures until such repairs have been completed.

Warning signs 

Water intrusion could cause the module to stop working, which prevents the power liftgate operation. 

Background of the recall 

These SUVs were already recalled over the same issue on two separate occasions, in June 2015 and  December 2015. During these repairs, the power liftgate module and its connectors were inspected for traces of corrosion. Furthermore, the suspected area was modified to prevent water intrusion and the module was covered with a foam shield.  However, the manufacturer received “50 customer assistance records, 23 warranty claims, and 21 field reports” for repaired vehicles leading up to the recall.

Other Jeep recalls

In November 2022, nearly a quarter of a million RAM trucks were recalled over a fire risk

More recently, in April 2023, Stellantis recalled more than 69,000 Jeeps and RAMs because their transmissions could overheat and crack, resulting in a fire.

Finally, last month, more than 130,000 RAM trucks were subject to a recall due to the risk of stalling. This is at least the fourth recall for these vehicles due to the same issue, as reported.

The repair

At this point, the manufacturer is working on a solution. Once it is available, it will be free of charge. 

Owners should be notified on June 30, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 130,000 SUVs are affected by this Jeep power liftgate recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls SUVs over risk of fire, tells owners to park away from structures   

Stellantis recalls RAM 1500 trucks that keep stalling

Auburn Hills, MI – May 7, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler, Dodge and RAM brands, is issuing a recall for 131,700 2021 RAM 1500 trucks that may stall, which ups the risk of a crash. This is at least the fourth RAM 1500 recall in less than a year because of stalling. The latest edition comes on the back of multiple customer complaints and at least one accident.

Recall summary

The powertrain control module (PCM) is a car computer that regulates how much fuel and air should be injected into the engine to ensure its optimum efficiency.

In the affected vehicles, faulty PCM software may result in a mixture that has too much fuel. This can lead to the engine shutting down during use.

The problem has been reported on models equipped with the 5.7L eTorque mild-hybrid powertrain.      

Recall risks

The defect can lead to the car stalling without prior warning, dramatically upping the risk of a crash and a subsequent injury for the occupants of the car and other motorists.

Background of the recall

The recall is the result of “206 customer records, 636 warranty claims, and 53 field reports,” according to the information provided by the manufacturer to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. government auto safety regulator in charge of the recall. In addition, at least one accident was caused by this defect. Luckily, no injuries have been reported.

Other RAM recalls

This is at least the fourth recall in less than a year for RAM 1500 trucks due to stalling.

In June 2022, the RAM 1500 was one of two vehicles recalled over an issue with the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), which could lead to the engine stalling.        

In November 2022, Stellantis issued a second recall also involving the RAM 1500 over the premature failure of the HPFP.   That recall was expanded in late April, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will update the PCM calibration software free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was issued.

Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by June 2, 2023.  

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 31,000 vehicles are affected by this RAM PCM software recall. To run a RAM 1500 recall check or check for more Chrysler recalls,  please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls RAM 1500 trucks that keep stalling

Stellantis recalls Jeep and RAM for the second time due to risk of stalling

Auburn Hills, MI  – April 29, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and RAM brands, is recalling 45,711 SUVs and pickup trucks because they may lose power while driving due to a faulty fuel pump. This ups the risk of a crash and injury.

This recall seems to be an expansion of one conducted in November for the same issue and comes on the back of multiple customer complaints and warranty claims.

The list of the affected models includes:

  • 2021 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2021 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2022 – 2023 RAM 1500

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have a 3.0-liter diesel engine with a high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). Its job is to collect fuel from the tank, compress it and deliver it to the engine, where it is used for combustion that moves the vehicle forward.

Just like in the previous recall, the pump may break apart, sending debris into the fuel system and clogging it. This can prevent fuel flow to the engine, causing the vehicle to stall.  

The component behind the recall is the HPFP with part number 68501449AA.  

Recall risks

All associated risks are described in the previous Jeep fuel pump recall.  

Warning signs

Besides the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the “Service Electronic Throttle” warnings on the dashboard, drivers may pick up on the “excessive noise” from the engine bay or notice a fuel leak around the high-pressure pump.

Background of the recall

This recall appears to expand on one done in November of last year due to the same issue. It is not clear what led to the expansion but the current recall includes additional model-years and comes on the back of “​​seven customer assistance records, 126 warranty claims, eight field reports and three other service records.” No accidents or injuries have been reported.

Other Jeep Wrangler recalls

The Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler model-years affected by this recall may also be part of a a different recall caused by the transmission that may overheat and cause the vehicle to catch fire.

Among other Chrysler recalls, the one from March this year caused by detaching rear spoilers is the most recent, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump with an upgraded one. They will inspect the rest of the fuel delivery system and replace as needed. Everything will be done free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on or before June 2, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 45,000 trucks and SUVs are affected by this high-pressure fuel recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. You can do the same to do a RAM recall check. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Jeep and RAM for the second time due to risk of stalling

Stellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

Auburn Hills, MI – April 1, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 69,201 SUVs and pickup trucks that may catch fire due to overheating transmission. This ups the risk of a crash and injury or property damage. 

The following vehicles are affected: 

  • 2020 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2018 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler 

This recall serves as an expansion, as well as replacement of a previous one conducted for the same issue in early 2021 and comes on the back of several vehicle fires. Vehicles repaired back then will need a new remedy.

Recall summary  

All listed vehicles have a manual transmission and the corresponding clutch assembly, which allows the driver to change gears.

Part of the clutch in the affected vehicles can overheat and crack “due to extreme overheating.” This creates hot shrapnel, which can pierce transmission housing and catch on fire as it comes in contact with an ignition source. 

Warning signs

An overheating clutch may generate a strong burning smell, which can be perceived by the driver or passengers.  The driver can also notice unspecified warning messages on the dashboard.

Recall risks

All risks posed by a vehicle fire are described in this recent Hyundai recall

Background of the recall 

The problem with overheating clutches was first discovered several years ago and consequently led to a recall in January 2021. At that time, dealers addressed the issue by updating the vehicle’s software, so that it would reduce the engine’s power output if the clutch overheats.  However, this proved to be insufficient and there have been dozens of warranty claims and one injury leading up to this recall.

The repair

The manufacturer is currently working on a solution to this problem. Once it becomes available, it will be free of charge.

Owners will be receive letters with additional information on April 14, 2023. 

Other Stellantis recalls

There was a Jeep Wrangler recall in December of last year when  Wrangler SUVs and RAM trucks were recalled for the third time due to the risk of engine shutdown, as reported.

Stellantis is also under a U.S. government investigation due to reports of its Jeep Compass SUVs unexpectedly losing power.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 70,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep clutch pressure plate recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis issues second recall for Jeep Gladiator pickups and Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire

Stellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

Auburn Hills, MI – March 11, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 139,019 2021-2023 Dodge Durango SUVs because their rear spoilers may detach. This ups the risk of a crash and injury. 

This recall is an expansion of a previous one conducted for the same issue in October 2021.

Recall summary  

A spoiler is a piece of plastic trim that sits on the top of the liftgate, which is an attachment that is used to load and unload cargo. The spoilers in the listed vehicles were fitted incorrectly, causing them to come in contact with the roof edge when the liftgate is opened. This may lead to the spoiler becoming loose and subsequently separating from the vehicle.

Recall risks

As described in a similar Volkswagen recall from April 2022, a spoiler that detaches from the vehicle at speed can hit other vehicles or nearby pedestrians as it flies through the air.  

Warning signs

The driver or occupants may hear rattling if the spoiler becomes loose. 

Background of the recall 

Close to 5,000 2021 Durango SUV were recalled for the same issue in October 2021. It is not clear how the manufacturer became aware of the fact that more cars needed to be recalled.

Other Dodge recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been affected by one of the latest Dodge Durango recalls, which happened in December 2022 due to the the risk of vehicles stalling.

Other recent Stellantis recalls include one caused by a risk of tire failure and defective fuel pumps that may cause the vehicles to stall. Both occurred in November of last year.

The repair

Dealers will inspect the spoilers on affected vehicles and replace them if necessary. The repair is free of charge.

Owners will be notified on April 14, 2023. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 140,000 SUVs are affected by this Stellantis spoiler issue. To do a Chrysler recall check or a Dodge recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs whose spoilers may detach

Stellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 

Auburn Hills, MI – November 21, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Chrysler and Dodge brands, is recalling 44,212 vehicles that may fail to display the correct tire pressure information to the driver. The system may fail to warn the driver if a tire is underinflated, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

This is a second recall for the same issue, which affects some of the cars that were previously repaired.

The following models are affected:

  • 2022 Chrysler 300
  • 2022 Dodge Challenger 
  • 2022 Dodge Charger

Recall summary  

Vehicles on this list are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS, which alerts the driver if any of the tires are underinflated. The measurements needed for its operation are done by dedicated TPMS sensors.  On affected cars, the battery used by these sensors may die prematurely, so the sensors could fail to provide data to the TPMS system

As a result, the system may fail to warn the driver about tire-pressure-related issues. Alternatively, the battery issue could cause the warning indicator to turn on, masking any new tire pressure issues that occur from that point on.

The component causing the issue is the tire air pressure sensor with part number 68487472AA. 

Recall risks

A car with an underinflated tire has an increased risk of  a crash, as reported. 

Background of the recall

This recall serves as an expansion of one conducted in July for the same issue. After recalling the vehicles, the manufacturer discovered that some of the repaired vehicles still had TMPS battery issues. On the back of that finding, it decided to recall some of the vehicles that were previously repaired, as well as additional ones.

Other Dodge recalls

In October 2022, Dodge pulled some of their Journey crossover SUVs off the roads because of headlamp issues.

In July 2022, the U.S. government launched an investigation into Dodge and Chrysler vans following complaints that the sliding doors could become stuck.

The repair

To rectify the problem, dealers will inspect the TPMS sensors on affected vehicles and replace them if needed. This repair is free of charge. 

Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on December 16,  2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This tire pressure sensor issue affects more than 40,000 muscle cars and sedans. To do a Chrysler or Dodge recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls cars for the second time over risk of tire failure 

Stellantis recalls Jeep, RAM vehicles over fuel pump failure, stall risk

Auburn Hills, MI – November 2, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep and RAM brands, is recalling 60,413 vehicles over premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. This could lead to the vehicle stalling while in traffic, upping the risk of an accident.

The recall comes on the heels of 250 driver complaints and covers the following models: 

  • 2021 – 2022 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2020 – 2022 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2020 – 2022 RAM 1500

Recall summary

The fuel pump moves the fuel from the vehicle’s gas tank to the engine, where it is used for combustion that powers the vehicle’s movement. In the affected vehicles with Jeep fuel pump issues, the pump could fail prematurely. Debris from failed components could get into the fuel system and prevent the fuel from reaching the engine.

This recall applies to vehicles with a 3.0 liter diesel engine.

The component involved in this recall is the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), with part number 68211269AA.

Background of the recall

The recall comes on the back of “22 customer assistance records, 205 warranty claims, and 33 field reports” received between mid-2020 and late September of 2022. No injuries or accidents have been reported because of the issue.

Recall risks

If the fuel fails to reach the engine, “fuel starvation” will occur. This may result in a loss of power, increasing the chances that the vehicle will crash. 

Warning signs

Drivers may notice the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the Service Electronic Throttle Control indicator – which looks like a lighting bolt – turning on in the instrument panel. There may also be excessive noise or a fuel leak coming from the HPFP.

 Other Jeep and RAM truck recalls

A number of 2014-2019 RAM 1500s and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs were recalled in June 2022. This recall, which affected 138,645 vehicles in all, was also in response to a defect with the high-pressure fuel pump.

As part of another Fiat Chrysler recall, Stellantis recalled 4,907 RAM pickup trucks in October 2022 over an Engine Control Module (ECM) component that may have been fitted incorrectly. This could cause the vehicle to stall. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect and replace the affected fuel system components free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the issuance of the recall order.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 vehicles are affected by this fuel pump recall. To check for other potential Jeep and RAM 1500 recalls on your vehicle, run a Jeep or RAM recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep, RAM vehicles over fuel pump failure, stall risk