Stellantis Calls Back 211,000 Cars, Citing Stability Control Problems

Stellantis is calling back more than 211,000 pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, citing a defect that could impact stability control.

The issue stems from defective anti-lock braking systems, which in turn deactivates the stability control systems, the automaker recently told federal vehicles safety regulators. Stability control technology has been shown to reduce fatal crashes, especially single-vehicle and rollover accidents.

“Failure of the ESC system when intervention is expected and/or relied upon can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning,” Stellantis said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers certain 2022 Dodge Durango, Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 vehicles. The Ram 2500 is the most affected, with nearly 158,000 pickups recalled.

Stellantis plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by the end of July, the company told NHTSA. Owners, in the meantime, can check NHTSA’s website to see if their cars are covered by the recall.

The company will ask owners to bring their cars to authorized local service providers for inspection and repair.

Other Stellantis Safety Issues

These kinds of recalls are far too common for Stellantis and other major auto manufacturers. 

In April, for example, the company recalled some 280,000 Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. The company said at the time that the cars’ airbags could explode, sending harmful shrapnel hurtling through the interior of the cars.

Earlier in the year, NHTSA closed an eight-year investigation into complaints of Dodge and Ram vehicles rolling away unexpectedly, finding no defects or design issues.

How the California Lemon Law Works

The world’s largest auto manufacturers call back millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of serious defects and malfunctions that increase safety risks for everyone on the road. The recalls are often announced long after defective cars have already been sold to unsuspecting buyers.

There is some good news for car owners and lessors in California, however. You do not need to wait around for a recall in order to get defective vehicles fixed.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or flat out refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle under the lemon law. It is up to the owner to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.