US government investigates Stellantis on back of fatality

Washington, D.C. September 4, 2024 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) amid allegations that some Dodge vehicles could trap occupants inside. 

The investigation comes on the back of a fatality and could lead to a recall of roughly one million cars. 

The following models would be affected:

  • 2009 – 2020 Dodge Journey
  • 2009 – 2010 Dodge Journey AWD 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation in May 2023, citing a fatal accident in which the occupant could not get out of a 2009 Dodge Journey that caught fire.  

During the investigation, NHTSA found additional complaints about faulty doors and windows and upgraded the inquiry to the so-called engineering analysis on August 1, 2024. The upgrade means that NHTSA will dig deeper to find out what the cause of the issue is and whether a recall is warranted.

“Fire consuming the entire vehicle”

The incident that sparked the original investigation took place in 2022 when the driver pulled over because of all “the warning lights… flashing.” The driver eventually passed after a fire engulfed the car.

Other complaints describe similarly horrifying situations. One driver had to crawl out of the vehicle through the window while others described seemingly unprovoked shutdowns of the “entire electrical system” while the car was “in motion and/or parked.” 

Culprit

The culprit appears to be the “failure of the totally integrated power module (TIPM),” which is in charge of distributing electrical power to various parts of the vehicle. However, in at least one of the cases the driver continued to have issues after replacing the TIPM twice.

Risks

Not being able to open the doors or windows, the occupants will have trouble escaping the burning vehicle, which significantly ups the chances of injury and death.  

Other Dodge recalls

In June 2024, Dodge recalled over 200,000 Durango SUVs and RAM trucks because of reduced control, as reported.

In March 2024, over 36,000 Dodge Hornets and Alfa Romeo cars were recalled because they had incorrect weight capacity labels, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Dodge doors recall, potentially affecting nearly a million vehicles. To do a Dodge recall check and see if your vehicle might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis on back of fatality

Stellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs and RAMs over reduced control 

Auburn Hills, MI June 28, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 211,581 SUVs and pickup trucks whose drivers’ ability to control the car may be limited. The defect augments the risk of loss of control and a crash.

The following vehicles are affected:   

  • 2022 Dodge Durango
  • 2022 RAM 2500
  • 2022 RAM 3500

Recall summary

The Electronic Stability Control system (ESC) is an extension of the anti-lock brakes (ABS) system whose job is to apply brakes to one or more wheels to keep the vehicle on track in slippery conditions or during sudden maneuvers.

Due to a software error, the ABS module may disable the ESC.

Recall risks

With the ESC out of order, the vehicle will be more difficult to control and stop during critical situations, which ups the chances of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs

The defect could trigger a corresponding warning light on the dashboard.  

Safety tips

While driving with a malfunctioning ESC is possible, you should adjust your speed and steering inputs accordingly.  

Other Stellantis recalls

Some of these RAM trucks may have been affected by rearview camera issues, which led to a recall in October 2023

Durango owners should be aware of a Dodge recall from March 2023 caused by rear spoilers that could separate from the vehicle while driving

The repair

Dealers will update the ABS control module free of charge. 

The owners should receive notifications on July 26, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 210,000 SUVs and pickup trucks are affected by this Dodge ESC recall. To do a Dodge recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls Dodge Durango SUVs and RAMs over reduced control 

Stellantis recalls Alfa Romeo and Dodge Hornet SUVs over incorrect weight labels 

Auburn Hills, MI  – March 28, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Dodge and Alfa Romeo brands, is recalling 36,093 SUVs over an error in the vehicles’ weight capacity labels. The defect ups the risk of an accident.

The recall covers the following vehicles: 

  • 2023 – 2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale
  • 2023 – 2024 Dodge Hornet

Recall summary  

A tire placard indicates the vehicle’s maximum weight capacity, guiding users on how many passengers and how much cargo the vehicle can safely carry.

An incorrect tire placard placed on the affected vehicles may mislead owners into thinking that the vehicle can carry much heavier loads than intended, which could lead to overloading. 

Recall risks

All risks concerning improper load labels are explained in this report about a similar recall by Ford.  

Other Stellantis recalls

Earlier this month, Stellantis recalled close to 200,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler SUVs with faulty windshield defrosting systems, as reported.

Jeep Wrangler SUVs were also the culprit of another recall in December 2023, due to fires that could occur with the ignition off, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will cover the inaccurate tire placards with updated labels free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on April 24, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 36,000 SUVs are affected by this Stellantis tire label recall. To do a Stellantis recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Alfa Romeo and Dodge Hornet SUVs over incorrect weight labels 

Stellantis recalls RAM pickups over rearview camera issue 

Auburn Hills, MI  – October 14, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling 272,911 pickup trucks over rearview cameras that may fail to display an image when backing up. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall: 

  • 2022 – 2023 RAM 1500 
  • 2022 – 2024 RAM 2500
  • 2022 – 2023 RAM 3500

Recall summary  

In the affected vehicles, the rearview camera system may be incompatible with the onboard radio software. This may result in no image being displayed on the screen when the vehicle is backing up.  

Recall risks

All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Stellantis recalls

In December 2022, Stellantis issued a recall for 5,834 vehicles including Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango over a transmission problem that could lead to the vehicle losing power during use.  

In March 2023, Stellantis recalled 139,019 2021-2023 Dodge Durango SUVs because of detaching rear spoilers, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by upgrading the radio system software free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners for repair costs incurred prior to the recall announcement.  

Owners should receive letters with more information on November 17, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 272,000 trucks are affected by this Chrysler rearview camera recall. To do a Chrysler recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls RAM pickups over rearview camera issue 

2003 Dodge Ram 1500s Takata Air Bag Fatality Prompts FCA to Issue Do Not Drive

July 11, 2023 | Washington, DC

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently confirmed another fatality linked to the Takata recall, specifically in a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. This tragic incident marks the first Takata air bag fatality involving an exploding passenger-side inflator. Additionally, it is the first case reported in the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 model, which was among the 385,686 vehicles recalled in 2015 due to the dangerous Takata air bag defect.

Approximately 84,000 of these Dodge Ram 1500 trucks remain unrepaired, and as a result, put their occupants in considerable danger of severe injury or even death. It is crucial that if you are the owner of one of these unrepaired 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 vehicles, you must avoid driving until the Takata recall is fully addressed and your defective Takata air bag is replaced.

The recent Takata recall fatality raises the total count to 26 within the United States. It is an urgent matter that all vehicle owners check immediately for open Takata recalls. If your vehicle is under recall, we advise you to arrange the necessary repair as soon as possible.

NHTSA’s Acting Administrator, Ann Carlson, emphasized the escalating danger posed by aging defective Takata air bags. “The older a defective Takata air bag inflator becomes, the higher the risk it presents. We strongly urge you to have your air bag replaced immediately, not just for your safety, but also for the well-being of your loved ones,” said Carlson. “Please don’t put yourself or your loved ones in the line of danger due to a faulty, recalled Takata air bag. The repairs are completely free and could very well save your life.”

The NHTSA is urging all vehicle owners to check immediately if their vehicle is subject to a Takata air bag recall. If the vehicle is affected, owners should contact their dealership to schedule a FREE repair as soon as possible, and strictly adhere to any warnings from the vehicle manufacturer.

It’s crucial to remember that even minor crashes can result in devastating consequences due to the exploding Takata air bags, potentially leading to fatal or horrific injuries. Older model year vehicles, like the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500, expose their occupants to a higher risk, as the age of the air bag plays a significant role in the danger it poses.

Vehicle owners who prefer talking to the manufacturer directly can call the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Takata Call Center at 833-585-0144 or go to the manufacturer’s website.

If you think your vehicle may have a safety defect that isn’t part of a current recall, contact NHTSA. Contact NHTSA online or by calling the agency’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. For more information, visit NHTSA.gov/Recalls.

James Douglas2003 Dodge Ram 1500s Takata Air Bag Fatality Prompts FCA to Issue Do Not Drive

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 Dodge vehicles over loss of drive power

Auburn Hills, MI – December 16, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler and Dodge brands, is recalling 5,834 vehicles that may lose power while in motion due to faulty shifter pawls, which are pins that lock gears in place. This augments the risk of a crash.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2022 Dodge Charger
  • 2022 Dodge Durango

Recall summary

In the affected vehicles, the shifter pawls have not been properly heat-treated and may bend or fail to engage as expected when shifting between gears.  Heat-treating, as reported, is a normal part of the manufacturing process which ensures that components made of metal can withstand the test of time.

Recall risks

An improperly engaged shifter assembly may slip out of the “Drive” position, resulting in a sudden loss of drive power. This increases the risk of a crash. 

Warning signs

A warning sign associated with this issue is “a bent or misaligned shifter lever.” In some cases, the driver may even have difficulty selecting gears. 

Other recent Dodge and Chrysler recalls

In November, more than 40,000 Dodge and Chrysler vehicles were recalled over risk of tire failure. This was a follow-up recall from a July one relating to the same issue.

Prior to that in October, more than 80,000 Dodge Journey SUVs were subjected to a recall over a headlamp issue resulting in poor visibility. This was attributed to a substandard reflector. 

The repair

To fix this Dodge powertrain issues, dealers will replace the shifter assembly  free of charge. Notifications regarding the repair program will be sent to owners on or around January 12, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 6,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To perform a Fiat Chrysler recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Senamile NkosiStellantis recalls Dodge vehicles over loss of drive power

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 latest recalls affect over 1.1 million cars

Washington, D.C. – October 17, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns Chrysler, Dodge, Jee, and RAM brands, has racked up nine recalls in the past six months. In total, more than 1.1 million vehicles have been affected by this. Besides, the recalls, the company is subject to two ongoing investigations by the U.S. government auto safety regulator, which could lead to recalls of additional 1.5 million vehicles.

Read on to see if your vehicle is affected. 

Roll-away SUVs

In March, some Jeep and Dodge SUVs were recalled because they could shift out of Park even when the brake was not applied. This was caused by a faulty ABS unit.  Approximately a quarter of a million vehicles were affected by these Stellantis rollaway issues, including: 

  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Durango
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Trucks with malfunctioning ESC

That same month,  Stellantis also recalled a large batch of RAM trucks and Dodge SUVs over a software issue within the ABS. This might prevent the warning light on the dashboard from illuminating if the car’s electronic stability control (ESC) malfunctions. In total, 370,437 cars had to be recalled because of this, including: 

  • 2019 – 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2019 – 2022 RAM 3500
  • 2021 – 2022 Dodge Durango 

As of July 25 – the last date for which information is available – roughly half of the vehicles involved still needed to be repaired. To see if your car is affected, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

SUVs with unsecured child car seats

Certain 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs were recalled in April because of an issue with child-seat anchorage points on second-row seats. As a result, the child seat could be inadequately secured during a collision, increasing the risk of injury. In total, 4,586 were affected. 

As of July 25 – the last date for which information is available – 2,746 vehicles involved still needed to be repaired. To see if your car is affected, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Tire failure risk recall

An issue with the built-in tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which may keep the system from detecting low tire pressure led to a Stellantis recall that took place in June 2022.

In total, 52,340 cars were affected by this issue, including: 

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

Stalling vehicles with diesel engines  

One the heels of the tire pressure recall, over 138,000 Jeep and RAM vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines were recalled over concerns they may stall while driving. The problem was caused by a high-pressure fuel pump, which delivers fuel to the engine.

These Stellantis engine issues affected the following models: 

  • 2014 – 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2014 – 2019 RAM 1500  

Malfunctioning rearview cameras

In June, almost 120,000 RAM pickup trucks were recalled because of a software issue that would prevent the rearview image from being displayed.

The following vehicles were affected: 

  • 2022 RAM 1500 
  • 2022 RAM 2500 
  • 2022 RAM 3500 

More recently, in September, Jeep recalled some of its models over a similar software error. This recall affected 7,895 vehicles, including: 

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

Issues with lights 

Two separate light issues led to two Stellantis light recalls that affected over 180,000 cars.

In August, a substantial number of Jeep SUVs were recalled because their tail light side markers were damaged and dimmed. In total, 99,186 vehicles were affected by this recall, including: 

  • 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2021 – 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Earlier this month, Stellantis recalled more than 80,000 of their 2017 – 2018 Dodge Journey crossover SUVs. These vehicles were equipped with headlights that turned out to be defective and not bright enough

Active investigations

Besides the recalls, the U.S government auto safety regulator, the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) is conducting two separate investigations concerning Stellantis vehicles. 

In one of them, the regulator is trying to find out if the alleged stalling of Chrysler’s PHEV minivans is caused by a manufacturer error. If this results in a recall, it may affect more than 20,000 of the following vehicles: 

  • 2019 – 2021 Chrysler Pacifica  
  • 2019 – 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Earlier model-years of the hybrid were recalled in February 2022 over Stellantis fire risk

The other investigation is caused by complaints from Jeep SUV owners regarding unintentional handbrake activating. According to their claims, this would happen even while driving, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. The regulator is checking if this may be caused by water leaks, similar to a recall from 2015. This investigation could lead to a recall, potentially affecting an estimated 1.34 million 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee SUVs. 

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

At this moment, Stellantis recalls have affected roughly 1.1 million cars in the past six months. To do a Stellantis recall check and see if yours is affected by any of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool

Bojan PopicStellantis latest recalls affect over 1.1 million cars

Stellantis recalls Dodge SUVs over headlamp issue,  crash risk

Auburn Hills, MI – October 9, 2022 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 83,453 vehicles over defective headlamps. A substandard reflector may not reflect light brightly enough, compromising visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

The recall covers 2017 – 2018 Dodge Journey crossover SUVs.

Recall summary

The Dodge Journey’s headlamp assemblies include an amber side reflex reflector that makes the vehicle more visible to other motorists.

In the affected vehicles, the reflector does not reflect enough light.

The components involved in this recall are the front left and front right headlamp assemblies with multiple part numbers, including  05116288AC and 05116289AC. 

Recall risks

A dim reflector makes it harder for other drivers to see the vehicle and react accordingly, which can up the risk of a crash.

Other Dodge recalls 

While there have been few Dodge Journey recalls in recent years, other Dodge vehicles have been recalled.

In March 2022, for example, Stellantis issued a recall for 370,437 vehicles, including the Dodge Durango. This was over an issue with the electronic stability control’s indicator light.   

In June 2022, the Dodge Durango was again part of a recall initiated by Stellantis covering 270,904 vehicles. This was on account of a problem with the brake control system that could let the vehicle roll away.   

Repair

The manufacturer is developing a remedy for the Dodge side reflectors and will notify owners when to bring affected vehicles to authorized dealers for repairs. All repairs will be free of charge.

Affected owners will be notified on or around November 8, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 83,000 vehicles are affected by this Dodge headlamp recall. To see if your vehicle is included, run a Dodge recall check or search Chrysler recalls using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Dodge SUVs over headlamp issue,  crash risk