Autos

Fiat Chrysler recalls 4.8 million vehicles, shares fall

Key Points
  • Fiat Chrysler is warning the owners of about 4.8 million vehicles to stop using the cruise control immediately.
  • A potential defect could leave the driver unable to cancel cruise control during certain circumstances.
  • Drivers should not use cruise control until the vehicles have been inspected.
  • The recall is one of the largest ever issued in the U.S.
Fiat Chrysler recalls 4.8 million vehicles made between 2014 and 2018
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Fiat Chrysler recalls 4.8 million vehicles made between 2014 and 2018

Fiat Chrysler is warning the owners of approximately 4.8 million vehicles to stop using the cruise control immediately due a potential defect that could leave the driver unable to cancel cruise control during certain circumstances.

The recall is one of the largest ever issued in the U.S.

It covers 15 Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge models built between 2014 and 2018.

The automaker says it knows of no accidents, injuries or fatalities caused by the defect.

In premarket trading Friday, Fiat Chrysler shares fell about 2.5 percent.

The warning to stop using cruise control comes as more than 36 million people get ready to hit the road for the long holiday weekend. Many are likely to be in Fiat Chrysler models covered by the warning and recall.

Fiat Chrysler says if drivers are unable to cancel cruise control, they can eventually stop the vehicle by shifting it into neutral and braking. Once the vehicle has stopped, drivers must put it in park in order to cancel the cruise-control engagement.

The automaker is planning to fix the defect with a software update. FCA says it will soon start notifying owners when they should bring their vehicles into dealerships for the repair.

The following models are affected:

  • 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 CUV
  • 2014-18 Dodge Durango SUV
  • 2014-18 Jeep Cherokee SUV
  • 2014-18 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV
  • 2018 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2014-19 Ram 1500 pickup
  • 2014-18 Ram 2500 pickup
  • 2014-18 Ram 3500 pickup
  • 2014-18 Ram 3500 cab chassis

(Correction: The recall covers 15 Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge models built between 2014 and 2018.)