Fiat Chrysler Recalls 4.8 Million Vehicles with Cruise Control Issue
On May 25, 2018 Fiat Chrysler announced that it was recalling 4.8 million vehicles because of an issue with the cruise control that could prevent drivers from turning it off when they needed to. Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) has only one incident on file related to the malfunctioning cruise control with no reported injuries.
Fiat Chrysler Recall
The issue with the cruise control is the potential for a short circuit when the driver accelerates with cruise control in place. Drivers who have turned on cruise control may accelerate in order to maintain speed while driving up a hill, for example. When the cruise control short circuits, the motor vehicle can become locked in cruise control which means that the regular ways of turning off cruise control – flipping a switch or tapping on the brakes – stop working. FCAU notes that even in the event of a short circuit, drivers would still be able to slow down or bring their vehicles to a full stop by pressing on the brakes and/or shifting into neutral.
What vehicles are covered under the recall?
The models covered under the recall include:
- 2015-17 Chrysler 200 sedan
- 2014-18 Chrysler 300 sedan
- 2014-18 Dodge Charger sedan
- 2014-18 Dodge Durango SUV
- 2014-18 Dodge Journey crossover
- 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee SUV
- 2014-18 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV
- 2014-18 Ram 2500 pickup
- 2014-18 Ram 3500 cab chassis
- 2014-18 Ram 3500 pickup
- 2014-18 Ram 4500/5500 cab chassis
- 2014-19 Ram 1500 pickup
- 2015-18 Dodge Challenger coupe
- 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica minivan
- 2018 Jeep Wrangler
What should I do if my vehicle is covered under the recall?
Per FCA, owners of the recalled vehicles should schedule a no-cost software update at their nearest dealership. The update is designed to prevent the short circuit. Until the software update is complete, drivers are asked to avoid using cruise control.
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