Chrysler has recalled 129,000 of its vehicles over a dangerous issue that could lead to crashes.
Drivers have been asked to book an urgent repair after the brand identified a malfunction with a vital piece of tech.
Chrysler has recalled more than 129,000 vehicles[/caption]
The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) last week.
A number of Chrysler’s trucks from one of the giant firm’s most popular model ranges could be impacted.
The problem is down to a potentially disastrous fault with the turn signal on the vehicles.
The NHTSA has identified that some of the signals’ self-cancellation function is not working.
As a result, the signal may stay on without a driver realising even after a turn has been completed.
What makes a car a lemon?
Each law has different parameters on what defines a lemon, but generally, a car is lemon when it’s in the shop for longer than it’s on the road.
Progressive Auto Insurance describes a lemon as a car with “a significant defect or malfunction that makes it unsafe to drive,” though exact parameters vary by state. All 50 states have lemon laws covering new vehicles, but only seven have lemon laws to protect used car buyers.
Federally, however, consumers are protected under U.S. Code Chapter 50 covering consumer product warranties. In layman’s terms, the law dictates that consumers be compensated by the manufacturer when “multiple attempts to repair a vehicle under warranty fail.”
What to do if you think you bought a lemon:
- Research your state’s lemon laws and their exact parameters.
- Contact the dealership, especially if it’s still under factory warranty.
- If the dealership refuses to repair the issue, contact the Automotive Consumer Action Program or the National Automobile Dealers Association.
- Send a certified letter to the manufacturer with an explanation of the issue, with documentation and proof that you’ve contacted a dealership.
- Depending on the outcome, you can report the dealership to the DMV for selling a car that needs immediate repairs.
- Consider small claims court.
- Consult an attorney specializing in lemon law through the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
Source: Progressive Auto Insurance
This could potentially confuse both following and oncoming traffic by making them think that a driver intends to turn when they are actually continuing straight.
In the worst case scenario, it’s easy to see how this could potentially lead to a collision.
Consequently, drivers have been urged to take their cars to a dealership as soon as possible to have the issue rectified.
The recall notice read: “Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge.
“Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 29, 2024.”
The affected model is the Ram 1500 pickup, which is made by Chrysler’s subsidiary brand Ram Trucks – with both ultimately owned by Stellantis.
Versions of the 1500 made between 2023 and 2024 could potentially develop the issue.
Official estimates suggest that as many as 129,313 could be affected.
You can check if your car is eligible and book a free repair by contacting Chrysler customer service on 1-800-853-1403 and quoting recall number A1B.
Alternatively, you can contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to the agency’s website.
It comes after Tesla recalled 27,000 vehicles over a similar issue.
