Fiat Chrysler Recalling V8s Over Stuck Cruise Control, Sudden Acceleration
If you’re the proud owner of a Hemi-powered Dodge Charger, Challenger, or Chrysler 300, you probably love getting that sweet baby up to highway speeds in a hurry. However, you’re also likely fond of having the ability to stop it whenever you wish and not entering into a real-life version of the movie Speed.
We’ve got some unfortunate news. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, you might have to take a couple of extra steps to avoid that being a possibility. Fiat Chrysler has issued a recall on 2014-2016 Chrysler 300s, Dodge Chargers, and Dodge Challengers equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 and Mopar Stage 1 Performance Package powertrain control module. The 2018 Challenger SRT Demon is also affected by the recall.
Apparently, the PCM is sick and could screw with the cruise control system. You’ll definitely want to get this one fixed as soon as possible. FCA claims the defect may not just prohibit cruise control from disengaging — there’s also a possibility it could cause the car to accelerate unpredictably. That’s about the last thing you want an 800-horsepower car to do without you giving it the go-ahead.
FCA claims only 1,930 vehicles are affected, but a similar recall in May encompassed around 4.8 million vehicles produced by the company. At the time, the NHTSA recommended drivers suspend their use of cruise control until the manufacturer conducts repairs, while FCA told drivers they could put the vehicle in neutral if things got weird.
It’s issuing a similar recommendation this time, noting that drivers will receive no warning before the cruise control system malfunctions. However, the dashboard might light up like a Christmas tree when the shit hits the fan. FCA says a flub in the powertrain control module’s wiring will make hitting the brakes pointless while the vehicle is in gear. Trying to shut the system off manually will be equally futile.
Fortunately, it should be a relatively simple fix. All Chrysler and Dodge dealers have to do is update the software or replace the PCM. The NHTSA says FCA should begin notifying owners on August 31st, 2018. However, if you want to get a jump on things, you call the automaker at 800-853-1403. You’re also welcome to hit up the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit its webpage.
[Image: FCA]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Serious question. "FCA told drivers they could put the vehicle in neutral if things got weird." To be fair, that's the answer I've read all my life for any brand of car. Anyone ever have to do that? I had a POS Saab with a manual transmission back in the 70s. It didn't have cruise but the throttle would stick. Going into neutral would send the engine to red line. God, I hated that thing. It was a very big deal in stop and go traffic. I used to leave a ton of space in front of me because if it happened in traffic I could slam into the car in front of me. That's one car company where I laughed when it folded.
"there’s also a possibility it could cause the car to accelerate unpredictably. That’s about the last thing you want an 800-horsepower car to do without you giving it the go-ahead." WAHOOOOOOO!!!