Auburn Hills, Mich. – Aug. 25, 2017 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled more than 3,000 sport utility vehicles possibly equipped with defective instrument control panel software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2017 Jeep Renegade SUVs manufactured between June 1, 2017 and July 20, 2017. FCA estimates that 100 percent of the models referenced in the recall contain the defective equipment.
The Defect
The vehicles involved in the campaign could be equipped with ICP software that causes warning lights to illuminate even when no engine problems are present. A newly installed integrated circuit chip system is believed to be the root cause of the error, which renders the affected models noncompliant under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101. The rule states that indicator signals “must not emit light except when identifying the malfunction or vehicle condition [they are] designed to indicate,” according to the NHTSA.
The defective ICP software creates a serious safety hazard, as drivers could be unaware of actual mechanical issues or other problems that may lead to breakdowns or accidents. However, FCA has yet to receive any reports connecting the problematic software with accidents or injuries.
Timeline of Events
On July 19, 2017, engineers at FCA pinpointed an ICP software error during production and immediately opened an investigation, as they believed the flaw put the affected vehicles in violation of FMVSS 101. Two days later, officials from the FCA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance examined evidence of the software error – video footage, in this case – and compared the issue to the functional requirements set out in the FMVSS. The internal group then connected with individuals from FCA Italy and expressed to them the opinion that the software did indeed pose a serious safety hazard and was in violation of FMVSS 101.
On July 26, FCA chose to conduct an official safety recall. The automaker notified dealers Aug. 2.
The Solution
The car company has directed dealers to update the ICP software in affected vehicles free of charge, according to a recall acknowledgement filed with the NHTSA. FCA is intends to notify owners via first-class mail on or about Sept. 16, 2017. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact FCA customer service at (800) 853-1403 or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.
