Ram’s heavy-duty pickups are among the millions of vehicles recalled by Fiat Chrysler over a software defect that could affect their cruise control systems. Photo courtesy FCA Group
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling roughly 4.8 million vehicles due to a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. Drivers of affected vehicles shouldn’t use cruise control until their vehicles are taken in for a software update, according to the factory.
The issue arises when a short-circuit occurs at the same time a vehicle’s cruise control system accelerates as it attempts to maintain driver-selected speeds. In this event, a driver may become unable to exit cruise-control mode. The driver can, however, overpower cruise-control acceleration by pressing on the vehicle’s brakes.
As of press time, no related injuries or accidents had been reported. The vehicles affected by this recall include:
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 midsize SUV
2014–’18 Dodge Durango midsize SUV
2014–’18 Jeep Cherokee compact SUV
2014–’18 Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize SUV
2018 Jeep Wrangler compact SUV
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
FCA will begin to alert affected customers as early as this week, according to the company.
