Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, is recalling over 1.2 million vehicles in the United States due to a software malfunction that can disable the electronic stability control (ESC) system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on September 9, 2024, citing the increased risk of crashes when the ESC system is not functioning properly.
The software defect can cause the anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module to disable the ESC system. This malfunction is related to the previous recall announced in June 2024, which affected approximately 211,000 vehicles due to a similar issue.
According to NHTSA, driving a vehicle with a disabled ESC system significantly increases the risk of crashes, particularly single-vehicle and rollover incidents. The agency has mandated that all new passenger vehicles be equipped with ESC systems since 2012 to enhance safety and stability control.
To address the issue, Stellantis will provide a free software update to the ABS control module in the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified by mail starting September 30, 2024, and can contact Chrysler customer service for more information.
The recall covers vehicles manufactured between 2019 and 2023, with the Ram 1500 being the most affected model, accounting for over 1 million units. The recall extends to the United States, Canada, Mexico, and certain international markets outside North America.
Stellantis has not reported any injuries or accidents related to the defect as of the recall announcement. However, the company emphasizes the importance of adhering to the instructions provided in the recall notices to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.
