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 vehicles whose spoilers may fly away

Auburn Hills, MI   – November 20, 2021 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Dodge brand, is recalling 4,837 2021 Dodge Durango SUVs with rear spoilers that may detach while driving. This creates a road hazard that may increase the risk of a crash or injury for other motorists.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Stellantis recall have a spoiler, which is a piece of external trim whose purpose is to give the vehicle a slicker appearance.

In affected vehicles, the spoiler may have been fitted incorrectly, allowing it to press against the roof when opening the liftgate. This contact may damage the spoiler over time.

The component in question is a rear spoiler, with part number 7DY53TZZAB or 7DY56TZZAB. 

Recall risks

A loose spoiler may detach while driving and hit other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. It can also land on the road, where it becomes an obstacle that may cause other vehicles to crash. 

Warning signs

When the spoiler is touching the roof, it will create a sound that the driver and passengers can hear. Additionally, if it becomes loose, it will rattle while driving. 

Other Dodge Durango recalls 

Earlier this year, Dodge recalled some of the 2021 Durango SUVs that had a missing side airbag fastener. This may cause the airbag to deploy incorrectly in a crash, increasing the risk of an injury. 

The repair

Dealers will inspect the spoilers on affected vehicles and replace them with redesigned variants if needed. Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around December 17, 2021. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes almost 5,000 vehicles. To see if yours is affected by it or any other Chrysler recall, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls vehicles whose spoilers may fly away

Chrysler Fiat Automobiles Recalls 12,000 Vehicles Over Powertrain Problem

United States – August 26, 2018 – According to Consumer Reports, in a recent string of recalls, the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced a recall of 12,779 vehicles.

Various Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and Ram SUVs and cars are involved in this particular recall, which is for a faulty part in the powertrain system.

The defect

Due to the powertrain system having a potentially broken or a wrongly manufactured circuit board, the problem can connect directly to stalling and starting the vehicle.

This is on the drivetrain and does not include the main engine of the car. Powertrain systems are in both manual and automatic vehicles and include transmission, drive shafts and differentials components.

Specifically, inside the circuit board, there is a voltage regular chip that helps control some of the automating controlling and driving of the cars. When this fails, the cars will not start or will stall out after being turned on via ignition.

When vehicles stall unexpectedly, there is a risk of an accident or injury from a crash. Issues with starting vehicles can cause drivers to be stranded or without a working car.

Of more than 12,000 vehicles affected, the list includes:

  • 2018 Jeep Renegade
  • 2018 Jeep Compass
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Ram 1500
  • Ram ProMaster
  • Fiat 500x
  • Dodge Journey
  • Dodge Challenger
  • Dodge Charger
  • Dodge Durango
  • Chrysler 300x
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2018 – 2019 Chrysler Town and Country vehicles
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Cherokee
  • 2018 – 2019 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles

Timeline of events

The recall is expected to officially begin September 28 of this year to solve the ignition problem. FCA states they will replace the powertrain control module free of charge for consumers and dealerships.

Also this month, FCA recalled similar 2018 – 2019 Jeep and Dodge models for brake fluid issues. More than 200,000 vehicles were included in this recall, which required brake fluid to be replaced complimentary to avoid potential bigger issues with the systems. Breaking and steering issues are imperative to fix immediately, due to the higher risks of crashes involved.

In June, a woman in Ohio claimed to have a steering issue with her Jeep, causing it to lockup while she was operating her car. However, FCA and Jeep spokespeople said her particular car did not fall under any current recall.

Alongside the recent recalls, FCA is facing some issues in court as well. According to the Detroit Free Press, Alphons Iacobelli, a former vice president of employee relations for FCA, is facing charges of embezzlement.

The company took funds allocated for worker trainers and used them for extraordinary perks, trips and bonuses instead.

Seven other higher-ups have already been convicted and charged in the scandal. The Justice Department and other government entities may be looking further into investigations that could cost FCA millions, if not billions, in court fees and fines.

However, further actions are speculative due to FCA being incorporated in the Netherlands and the charges happening in the U.S.

The solution

Chrysler announced plans to directly notify owners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reference number for this recall campaign is 18V524.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Sean ReyesChrysler Fiat Automobiles Recalls 12,000 Vehicles Over Powertrain Problem