Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling select Jeep and Dodge sport utility vehicles due to a manufacturing flaw that could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and crash.
The recall affects 2015 model year Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models, with approximately 7,700 vehicles potentially affected by suspension components that were improperly heat-treated. Although the company is unaware of any incidents or customer injuries (or even complaints), there is the possibility that the faulty components may fail catastrophically at speed, leading to rear instability, reduced braking power and, ultimately, a crash.
The flaw was noted by the component manufacturer during an internal quality audit, which then alerted FCA. FCA then launched an investigation and halted production and distribution of vehicles from the assembly plant (which has since resumed, with components conforming to FCA’s manufacturing specifications).
The good news is that the majority of affected vehicles are still in dealers’ hands or en route to dealers from the factory, which means they can be inspected and repaired, if necessary, before driving off the lots. However, there are 65 units in customers’ hands and FCA is urging their owners to immediately stop driving the vehicles.
Because of the low numbers and because FCA knows precisely who the owners are, the company is phoning customers to arrange transport of the vehicle to a dealership for service.
Customers who believe their vehicles may be affected can check by calling 1-800-853-1430 or visiting recalls.mopar.com or vinrcl.safecar.cov/vin and enter their vehicle identification numbers (VIN).
The majority of vehicles are in the U.S., with 255 in Canada, 65 in Mexico and 1,829 awaiting shipment to overseas markets.