Dodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras

Pleasanton, CA – August 27 2020 – Fiat Chrysler (NYSE:FCAU) has recalled 26,361 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles that operate with backup cameras.  When the driver selects the “stealth mode” setting and shifts into reverse, the backup camera rearview image does not display, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit sedans.

Recall summary  

Federal safety regulations require that vehicle manufactures make the rearview camera image visible at all times to ensure the safety of the public and driver. The image for the cars in question is not displayed when the car enters “the stealth mode,” which is the ability to dim most of the sedan’s interior lights.

Risks 

A malfunctioning rearview camera may result in a crash as the driver may fail to notice a person or an object behind them. This can result in injury or even death for everyone involved.

In fact, before back-up cameras became obligatory on all new vehicle models in 2018, back-up crashes killed an estimated 284 people and injured around 12,000 annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will update the software of the body control module (BCM), which is the “center” of the vehicle responsible for many of its operations. The update will disable the stealth mode when the vehicle is put into reverse. 

The repair is free of charge and is available now. Owners should plan on a half day to complete the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 25,000 vehicles are included in this Dodge Charger Pursuit recall. MotorSafety.org allows you to use your vehicle identification number to find if your vehicle has been recalled and we will help you find a dealer to get this issues fixed.

Ken BoydDodge Charger Pursuit recalled for faulty backup cameras

Chrysler Recalls Jeep, Ram, Dodge Vehicles to Fix Distracting Rear-View Camera

Laguna Hills, CA – May 12, 2020 – Chrysler (NASDAQ: FCA) announced the recall of several models of Jeep SUVs, Ram pickup trucks, Dodge SUVs and Chrysler minivans equipped with 8.4” or 12” radio displays.

The recall includes the following models:

  • 2020 Jeep Gladiator
  • 2020 Jeep Cherokee
  • 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup
  • 2019-2020 Ram 2500 Pickup
  • 2019-2020 Ram 3500 Pickup
  • 2019-2020 Chrysler Pacifica
  • 2019-2020 Dodge Durango
  • 2019-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • 2019-2020 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2019-2020 Jeep Renegade
  • 2019 Dodge Challenger

Recall Summary

Because of a software error, the rear-view camera image remains displayed after the vehicle shifts out of reverse, which could distract the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

In addition to the safety issue related to distracted driving, Chrysler initiated the recall to ensure vehicles meet federal standards that require rearview cameras to turn off within 10 seconds after shifting out of reverse.

The remedy will be available as early as May 22, 2020. The manufacturer will cover the cost to repair vehicles, which consists of a software update that could take up to a half day to repair at a certified service center.

Driving Risks

The rear-view camera potentially leads to a crash because once the driver shifts into drive, the vehicle is in forward motion while the navigation system displays an image in backward motion. If this were to happen while the driver pulls into traffic or an area with pedestrians, the risks of a crash increase.

The Threat Of Distracted Driving

According to the CDC, distracted drivers pose a serious problem that results in thousands of deaths each year. Several campaigns exist to bring more awareness to the problem, as well as April being designated as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

In both 2016 and 2017, over 3,000 people lost their lives in a motor vehicle crash involving distracted drivers.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – April 2019

In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) classified 9% of traffic facilities as distraction-affected crashes, which means the driver was distracted at the time of the crash. In both 2016 and 2017, over 3,000 people lost their lives in a motor vehicle crash involving distracted drivers.

Other Recent Recalls

Earlier this year, some 2018-2020 Jeep Wranglers and 2020 Jeep Gladiators were the subjects of a recall involving the manual transmission. The recall affected almost 30,000 Jeep Wranglers and over 3,400 Jeep Gladiators. In addition to the manual transmission recall, Jeep also recalled over 33,000 Jeep Gladiators because of a clutch defect.

Is Your Vehicle Affected By This Recall?

Over 318,000 cars are included with this Chrysler recall. To find out if your vehicle is one of them, visit MotorSafety.org, where you can search for open recalls on your vehicle, set up an appointment for any needed repairs, and sign up for automatic alerts so you know when your vehicle might be not safe to drive.

Joe GlaserChrysler Recalls Jeep, Ram, Dodge Vehicles to Fix Distracting Rear-View Camera