Chrysler Group said it is unaware of any injuries or accidents caused by the sudden stalling.
Chrysler Group will recall approximately 14,800 Dodge cars to recalibrate their powertrain control modules. It was the third recall in a week after Chrysler spurned a request from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall almost 3 million Jeeps because of an allegedly defective fuel tank design.
In the latest Dodge Dart recall, Chrysler Group in a press statement said that internal testing discovered a Dart that stalled moments after startup. The incident occurred when the vehicle was brought to a stop after driving a short distance. It had been parked for eight hours in a 20-degree F climate chamber. Further investigation revealed reports of similar incidents recorded by dealers.
Chrysler Group said it is unaware of any related injuries or accidents caused by the safety defect on 2013 Dodge Dart models equipped with a 1.4-liter engine and dual-clutch transmission.
About 12,900 Dart sedans are in the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; 1,900 are in Canada, five are in Mexico and 16 are outside the NAFTA region.
Re-calibrations will be performed at no cost as required by U.S. law to customers, who will be contacted directly. Customers who have questions can call 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler last week said that it “does not agree with NHTSA’s conclusions and does not intend to recall the [2.7 million Jeep] vehicles cited in the investigation.” This rare public response vehemently refuting the allegations is unusual in the normally silent world of corporate product liability lawyers who usually prefer quiet maneuvering out of the public eye. The latest rebuff is consistent with previous Chrysler statements in the evolving matter that AutoInformed first reported in February of 2011. (Read also Chrysler Challenges Nader, Center for Auto Safety, Disputing Need for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall for Rear Impact Fires and Chrysler Balks at NHTSA Jeep Recall Request)
