Fiat Chrysler Recalls 5 Million Vehicles; Cruise Control May Not Turn Off
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced a recall for roughly 4.8 million vehicles saying a defect could leave drivers unable to turn off their cruise control.
About the Fiat Chrysler Cruise Control Defect
According to Consumer Reports, the defect affects Fiat Chrysler’s most popular Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models.
The automaker notes that a software glitch can cause the recalled vehicles’ main computer to misinterpret signals from other computer modules, causing sudden, unexpected acceleration while the vehicle is in cruise control. Additionally, while drivers could normally disengage cruise control by tapping the brakes or pushing a button, the vehicles in question may continue to accelerate despite driver action.
Drivers of affected vehicles are urged to discontinue use of their vehicles’ cruise control systems until repairs have been made.
Should a driver find themselves in a situation in which their vehicle’s cruise control is failing to deactivate, Consumer Reports suggest they avoid panicking and stop their vehicle as they normally would – by applying the brakes. Once safely stopped, drivers should be able to place their vehicle in park.
In a case where the vehicle will not stop, drivers can shift their vehicle into neutral.
Vehicles Affected by the Fiat Chrysler Cruise Control Recall
The following vehicles are covered by the Fiat Chrysler recall:
- 2015-17 Chrysler 200 sedan
- 2014-18 Chrysler 300 sedan
- 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica minivan
- 2015-18 Dodge Challenger coupe
- 2014-18 Dodge Charger sedan
- 2014-18 Dodge Journey SUV
- 2014-18 Dodge Durango SUV
- 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee SUV
- 2014-18 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV
- 2018 Jeep Wrangler (select JK and JL versions)
- 2014-19 Ram 1500 pickup
- 2014-18 Ram 2500 pickup
- 2014-18 Ram 3500 pickup
- 2014-18 Ram 3500 cab chassis
- 2014-18 Ram 4500/5500 cab chassis
Contact an Experienced Vehicle Recall Attorney
Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.
Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
