US government investigates Stellantis on back of fire-related fatality

US government investigates Stellantis on back of fire-related fatality

October 2, 2024 Bojan Popic

Washington, D.C. – October 2, 2024 – The U.S. government auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) over allegations of Jeeps bursting into flames, even with the vehicle being turned off. 

The investigation comes on the back of a fatality and could lead to a recall of roughly 780,000 SUVs and pickups. 

The following models would be affected:

  • 2021 – 2023  Jeep Wrangler
  • 2021 – 2023  Jeep Gladiator 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened a preliminary investigation on September 6, 2024, following a fatal accident, which happened as a result of a vehicle fire, as reported. 

Aside from that, eight more fires have been reported. A power steering pump – located on the passenger side of the engine compartment, which is where most fires originated – have been identified as the possible culprit.

Risks and safety tips 

All risks posed by vehicle fire, as well as what to do if it happens to you can be found in this article.  

“Burned to the ground”

Many complaints mentioned the vehicle catching on fire out of the blue while driving or parked.  In one case, the fire occurred six hours after the car was parked and turned off. In another case, the car spontaneously “burned to the ground while parked next to [the] house.”  

Other Jeep recalls

The U.S. government is currently investigating Jeep over alleged power loss, as reported.

In December 2023, hybrid Wranglers were recalled over faulty batteries that would overheat, potentially causing a fire, also as reported.     

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation could lead to a Jeep fire recall, affecting more than a quarter of a million SUVs and trucks. To do a Jeep 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 fire-related fatality
Stellantis recalls 1.2 million RAM pickups over reduced stability

Stellantis recalls 1.2 million RAM pickups over reduced stability 

September 24, 2024 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – September 24, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the RAM brand, is recalling over 1.2 million pickups because of a software glitch that may reduce their stability, upping the risk of a crash and injury. 

The following models are affected in this round: 

  • 2019 RAM 1500
  • 2021 – 2024 RAM 1500

Recall summary  

The electronic stability control (ESC) system is an extension of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) whose job is to keep the vehicle stable during “sudden maneuvers.” Due to a software error, the ABS disable the the ESC.

This recall appears to be an expansion of another one conducted for the same issue back in June.

Recall risks

The pickup may be more difficult to control during sudden maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Warning signs 

The driver may notice ABS and ESC warning lights on the dashboard. In addition, the adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the forward collision warning (FCW) will not be operable.

Safety tips

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

Other RAM recalls

Some of the trucks listed here may have also been affected by a recall caused by inoperable rearview cameras, which took place in October 2023. 

In May 2023, over 1,500 RAM 1500 pickups were recalled due to the risk of stalling while driving, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will upgrade the ABS module software with a newer version free of charge.  

Owners should receive notifications by mail between October 3, 2024, and October 10, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 1.2 million pickup trucks are affected by this RAM ABS module recall. To do a RAM recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls 1.2 million RAM pickups over reduced stability 
US government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss

US government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss

August 13, 2024 Bojan Popic ,

Washington, D.C. – August 13, 2024 – The U.S. government’s auto safety regulator is investigating Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, over allegations that their hybrid SUVs may lose power.

If the investigation leads to a recall, it could affect 94,275 vehicles, including: 

  •  2021 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler 
  •  2022 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe 
  •  2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV

Some of these vehicles were already recalled over the same issue in December 2022. 

Investigation summary  

The regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), opened an investigation on July 5, 2024, following 68 complaints of vehicles suddenly shutting down.

Background of the investigation 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler PHEV was already recalled for this issue in December 2022, as reported. 

However, following the recall, NHTSA received complaints concerning the remedied cars and ones that were not part of the original recall but experienced the same issue.

The investigation was thus opened to both to assess the effectiveness of the previous recall,  as well as to determine whether other models are also affected. 

Risks

A vehicle that stalls is difficult to control. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Other Jeep recalls

In March 2024, Stellantis recalled Jeep Wrangler and  Grand Cherokee hybrids over reduced visibility, as reported.

In May 2024, over 12,000 Jeep Cherokees were recalled due to faulty turn signals, also as reported.

Is your vehicle part of a recall?

This investigation may eventually lead to a Jeep stall recall, affecting almost 95,000 hybrid SUVs. To do a Jeep recall check and see if your car might be a part of it, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicUS government investigates Stellantis over SUVs’ power loss
Stellantis issues second recall for Chrysler Pacifica minivans that may catch fire; four people injured

Stellantis issues second recall for Chrysler Pacifica minivans that may catch fire; four people injured

August 8, 2024 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – August 8, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler brand, is recalling 19,516 2017-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) that may catch fire while parked and turned off. 

This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and serves as an expansion and a replacement of a 2022 recall for the same issue. It appears that even with the new remedy the defect will not be fully resolved. 

Recall summary

These minivans have a high-voltage battery, which powers the electric motor that assists the conventional engine. Due to a supplier error – and a second, “unidentified factor’’ – the batteries may develop an electric short and burst into flames. 

Recall risks

A vehicle fire may result in injuries to its occupants, cause property damage and smoke inhalation issues for people in the area. In fact, this is exactly what happened in one of the accidents leading up to the recall where two family members of the affected owner experienced “adverse health consequences” following a fire which took “hours” to extinguish.

Safety tips 

The manufacturer advises drivers to park the vehicles away from structures and “refrain from recharging them” until the issue is fixed.

Background of the recall

The 2017-2018 Pacificas were recalled for the same issue in 2022 on the back of multiple fires and a complaint that described one of the cars “exploding into a fireball,” as reported. 

Leading up to the present recall, the manufacturer received reports of at least two fires and 14 customer complaints regarding both vehicles that were previously repaired and vehicles outside of the original recall. There have been at least four injuries related to the defect.

US government investigation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the adequacy and the root cause of the 2022 recall in January 2024.

The repair

Dealers will update the battery software to equip with an ability to look for conditions that could lead to a fire. In addition, they will inspect the battery and replace it if needed. All repairs will be free of charge. However, it is not clear how the remedy will address the second, undetermined factor.

The owners should receive notifications on or around September 6, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Nearly 20,000 hybrid minivans are affected by this Chrysler fire recall. To do a Chrysler recall check or check for other Chrysler recalls, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis issues second recall for Chrysler Pacifica minivans that may catch fire; four people injured
Stellantis recalls SUVs over disengaging turn signals

Stellantis recalls SUVs over disengaging turn signals

May 9, 2024 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI – May 9, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 12,221 2022 Jeep Cherokee SUVs whose turn signals may disengage immediately after being turned on.

The defect augments the risk of an accident.

Recall summary

Turn signals on cars “self-cancel” after the driver returns the steering wheel to the central position. In the affected SUVs, the mechanism that ensures that was not built correctly, causing the turn signal to disengage as soon as the driver releases the stalk.  

Recall risks

With turn signals not operating, other motorists may not be aware of the driver’s intentions, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.       

Other Jeep recalls

Some of these SUVs may have been affected by a July 2023 recall caused by the loss of stability, as reported.

More recently, in May 2024, Jeep recalled hybrid Wranglers and Grand Cherokees over an issue with the windshield defrosting system, also as reported.

The repair

Dealers will replace the steering column control module free of charge. 

Owners will be notified on May 17, 2024.    

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Over 12,000 Cherokee SUVs are affected by this Jeep turn signal recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls SUVs over disengaging turn signals
Stellantis recalls Alfa Romeo and Dodge Hornet SUVs over incorrect weight labels

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

March 28, 2024 Joseph Estabillo ,

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 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler over reduced visibility

Stellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler over reduced visibility

March 4, 2024 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills, MI  – March 4, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, is recalling 199,143 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) due to an issue with the windshield defrosting system, which may up the risk of a crash. 

The following models are affected by this recall: 

  • 2022 – 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 
  • 2021 – 2024 Jeep Wrangler

Recall summary  

Jeep PHEVs are controlled by a computer called the hybrid control processor (HCP) that receives inputs such as speed, and uses them to “manage the system energy” and control vehicles’ drivability. 

In the affected vehicles, an HCP software error may cause the windshield defrosting/defogging system to malfunction.   

Recall risks

The defect can reduce visibility when the vehicle is being driven in rain or snow, increasing the risk of a crash and injury. 

Other Stellantis recalls

The 2022–2023 Jeep Wrangler was part of 6,298 vehicles recalled in October 2023, over issues with the rearview camera and reverse lights, as reported.

In December 2023, Stellantis also recalled 32,136 2021–2023 Jeep Wrangler hybrids because of an increased risk of fire.

The repair

Dealers will update the HCP software free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs free of charge.

Owners will receive letters with more information on April 5, 2024. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 200,00 SUVs are affected by this Jeep windshield defroster recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler over reduced visibility
Stellantis recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk, owners to park away from structures

Stellantis recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk, owners to park away from structures 

December 28, 2023 Bojan Popic

Auburn Hills, MI  – December 28, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), which owns the Jeep brand, has recalled 32,125 hybrid 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler SUVs that may catch fire “with the ignition on or off.”

A fire greatly increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The recall comes on the back of several reports of fires.

Recall summary  

Besides a conventional gasoline engine, hybrid vehicles have an electric motor with a high-voltage battery. In the affected SUVs, the battery pack could – for currently unknown reasons – fail and consequently catch fire. 

Recall risks

A vehicle fire, regardless of whether it happens while driving or parked, poses a serious safety concern with a wide range of potential hazards, including injury and property damage. 

The recall comes on the heels of eight fires. Luckily, no injuries or accidents have taken place.

Safety tips

Owners are advised “not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures” until the repairs are performed. 

The repair

Dealers will update the software that controls the high-voltage battery or replace the battery if necessary.

The repair will be free of charge. 

Owners will receive letters with more information by January 11, 2024. 

Other Jeep recalls

Over 6,000 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators were recalled in October 2023 because their rearview cameras and reverse lights did not work properly, as reported.

More recently, Stellantis recalled close to 100,000 Wagoner SUVs over a problem with the third-row seat belt buckles, also as reported.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 30,000 hybrid SUVs are affected by this battery-fire Jeep recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool. 

Bojan PopicStellantis recalls hybrid SUVs over fire risk, owners to park away from structures 
Stellantis recalls RAM pickups over rearview camera issue

Stellantis recalls RAM pickups over rearview camera issue 

October 14, 2023 Joseph Estabillo ,

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 
Stellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights

Stellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights    

October 8, 2023 Joseph Estabillo

Auburn Hills, MI  – October 8, 2023 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Jeep brand,  is recalling 6,298 vehicles over a problem with the rear camera and reverse lights. The defects augment the risk of a crash.

The recall covers the following vehicles equipped with manual transmission: 

  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Gladiator 
  • 2022 – 2023 Jeep Wrangler

Recall summary  

When the reverse gear is engaged, an all gear sensor (AGS) built into the transmission will activate the vehicle’s reverse lights. It will also cause the rearview camera to display an image on the dashboard, helping drivers watch out for obstacles before reversing.  

In the affected vehicles, a defective AGS could prevent the reverse lights and rearview camera from turning on, resulting in no image being displayed on the monitor.  

Recall risks

The risks of an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall. The risks of faulty reverse lights are outlined in this piece about a related Ford recall.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that no image is being shown on the dashboard when the transmission is shifted to reverse. 

Other Stellantis recalls

There was a Jeep Wranger and a Jeep Gladiator recall in April 2023 over the risk of stalling, as reported.  

In August 2023, Stellantis also recalled 44,708 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUV over a problem with side curtain airbags. 

The repair

Dealers will replace the AGS on the affected vehicles free of charge. Stellantis will reimburse owners who paid for repairs prior to the recall announcement.   

Owners will receive letters with more information on November 7, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

More than 6,000 vehicles are affected by this Jeep rearview camera and reverse lights recall. To do a Jeep recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Joseph EstabilloStellantis recalls new Jeeps over problems with rearview camera, reverse lights    
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