Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is recalling nearly 5.3 million vehicles due to a defect that could prevent drivers from turning off the cruise control function.
The recall covers certain 2014-2019 model year vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and gasoline-powered engines. The affected cars will be provided with software upgrades to address the issue.
About 4.8 million affected vehicles are in the U.S., the company said, and 490,000 are in Canada, according to regulator Transport Canada.
Fiat Chrysler's shares in the U.S. were down 2.45% to $21.71 at 10:30 a.m. ET.
The company said its cruise control systems automatically initiate acceleration in certain driving conditions to maintain speed. But in an "an unlikely sequence of events," the automatic acceleration might occur simultaneously with an electrical network short-circuit and drivers would not be able to cancel cruise control.
Drivers can overpower the cruise control acceleration by applying the brakes, the company said. They can also eventually stop the vehicles by shifting into neutral and braking.
Once the vehicles have stopped, they may be placed in park and the cruise control function can be deactivated.
Fiat Chrysler said it is not aware of any related injuries or accidents involving the affected vehicles.
The U.S. recall covers the following models:
•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
•2014-18 Ram 3500 cab chassis
•2014-18 Ram 4500/5500 cab chassis
The automaker is also recalling an unspecified number of vehicles in Mexico and other markets. In addition, certain Fiat Fremont CUVs are being recalled in some markets outside the U.S. and Canada.
