Laguna Hills, CA – Nov. 12, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles U.S. recently issued a recall for well over 100 of its model year 2019 Dodge Challengers and Chargers, due to concerns over front and rear brake packages.
Specifically, the recall involves 173 vehicles, including:
- 111 four-door 2019 Dodge Chargers
- 62 two-door 2019 Dodge Challengers
All are believed to have the defect described below, which can lead to an increased risk of crashing.
The Defect
In both cases, the vehicles in question may have been built with front and rear brake packages that are incompatible with each other, and may not leave enough space between the tires’ inner sidewalls and the suspension steering knuckle. In these cases, there may be contact between the components, which could result in damage to the tires that would lead to a sudden loss of air pressure.
That, in turn, would potentially result in drivers losing control of the vehicle without warning, increasing the risk of an accident.
All Challengers in the recall were produced from May 28 to Sept. 20, 2019, and affected Chargers were made between May 29 and Sept. 25. FCA used vehicle production records to determine which cars were made with these incompatible wheel and brake packages. Other Chargers and Challengers produced in the 2019 model year do not have this issue.
Timeline of Events
On Sept. 13, 2019, FCA’s assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, alerted its parent company of a possible issue related to how close tires in some vehicles might be to the steering knuckles that are part of the brake packages.
Five days later, the company’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization launched an investigation into the issue after completing an engineering evaluation of one potentially affected vehicle. Between Sept. 18 and 27, 2019, all involved – including FCA U.S. Engineering – held meetings to look at the problem, its potential consequences and the scope of the issue.
As of Oct. 14, the company had not received any field reports of accidents related to the defect, nor had any warranty claims been filed. Furthermore, it was not aware of any accidents or injuries that might have been related to this problem.
Nonetheless, the company decided through its VSRC that it would conduct a voluntary recall beginning on Oct. 17, 2019.
The Solution
Drivers will be asked to bring their affected vehicles to an auto technician that can install the proper brake packages, as well as inspect the front tires on that car to determine whether they need to be replaced. They will also replace the rear tires to ensure they match the front replacements. If necessary, these mechanics might also need to adjust the wheel alignment. The company will provide reimbursement for any such repairs already undertaken, as long as owners have the original receipt or other proof of the transaction.
Both dealers and owners will receive notification of the recall on Dec. 13, 2019.
For additional details about this recall, consumers can contact Fiat Chrysler by phone at 1-800-853-1403, or call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.
