Roughly 4.8 million vehicles are being recalled by Fiat Chrysler in the United States due to a rare but potentially deadly problem where the cruise control feature may without warning get stuck.
The auto manufacturer is now warning car owners to avoid using cruise control until the software in these vehicles can be updated.
The problem may cause the cruise control to suddenly accelerate due to an electrical short-circuit. Unfortunately, tapping the brakes or turning off cruise control will not stop the automatic driving feature. Drivers may be able to shift the vehicle into park, but that could be dangerous.
Fiat Chrysler was testing its vehicles’ computer network when they discovered the problem. There have been no reports so far of any collisions or injuries linked to this problem. There was a single consumer complaint that may be associated with this issue. In that situation, a Kansas car owner told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that their 2017 Dodge Journey SUV rental vehicle when the vehicle’s windshield wipers camp on and the throttle locked up while they were driving the vehicle about 70 miles per hour with the cruise control on. Despite attempts to tap the brakes, apply the engine stop button or turn off cruise control, the vehicle would not respond until the brakes were applied vigorously and they shifted into park.
The auto manufacturer is recalling 15 Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and Ram vehicle models from six model years.
Specifically, the models under recall are:
- 2014-2019 Ram 1500 pickup,
- 2014-2018 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 pickups and chassis cab trucks.
- 2015-2017 Chrysler 200,
- 2014-2018 Chrysler 300,
- 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivan.
- 2015 to 2018 Dodge Challenger,
- 2014 to 2018 Dodge Charger, Dodge Journey and Dodge Durango,
- 2014 through 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
Fiat Chrysler is urging customers to follow the recall instructions and get the repairs done as soon as possible.
For more information contact Fiat Chrysler at (866) 220-6747.
Defective Vehicle Accidents
If a faulty vehicle or defective part is at fault for a collision resulting in injuries to you or a loved one, there may be grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. While this is always a personal decision, for many the financial losses associated with a traffic accident are significant.
If you, or your loved one, have been hurt in a California traffic accident, we urge you to contact Johnson Attorneys Group today and speak with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers to help you. We will bring our expertise to your case and guide you every step of the way. Give our office a call at 855-703-4186 for a free consultation.
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