Chrysler recalls 4.8 million vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 4,846,885 model year 2014-2018 Dodge Journeys, Chargers & Durangos, RAM 2500s, 3500s, 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis vehicles & 5500 Cab Chassis vehicles, Jeep Cherokees & Grand Cherokees & Chrysler 300s; model year 2014-2019 RAM 1500s; model year 2015-2018 Dodge Challengers; model year 2015-2017 Chrysler 200s; model year 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles (less than 10,000 lb); model year 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacificas; and model year 2018 Jeep Wranglers.

The vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.

If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

What to do

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin July 6, 2018.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.