May 25 (UPI) — In one of the largest recalls ever issued in the United States, Fiat Chrysler is warning owners of 4.8 million vehicles to stop using the cruise control feature immediately because of a safety defect.
The automaker issued the recall Friday, warning the cruise control feature in certain models could leave the driver unable to cancel during certain circumstances. The recall covers 14 Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge models built between 2014 and 2018.
In cases where the cruise control cannot be cancelled, Fiat Chrysler says drivers can eventually stop the vehicle by shifting it into neutral and braking. Once stopped, drivers must put the vehicle in park to cancel the cruise control engagement.
“Notwithstanding the extraordinary circumstances that must exist before a customer would experience a problem, we are taking this action because we are fully committed to vehicle safety,” Mark Chernoby, chief technical compliance officer, said in a statement. “We have a remedy and a widespread network of engaged dealers who are preparing to deliver service.”
The repair will be made free of charge. Company alerts will be sent beginning next week.
Fiat Chrysler says it is are unaware of any crashes, injuries or fatalities caused by the defect, which will be fixed via a software update.
The following models are included in the 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 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 and the 2014-18 Ram 3500 cab chassis.
