Stellantis recalls 1.16 mn vehicles in North America over rear view camera issue

Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, has announced a major recall affecting 1.16 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that prevents rear view cameras from displaying. This issue poses a significant risk of accidents, as drivers may not have a clear view behind their vehicles while reversing.

Wide range of affected models

The recall encompasses a diverse range of models from the 2021-2023 production years. This includes:

• 2021-2022 Dodge Durango
• 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica
• 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
• 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, and 3500
• 2022-2023 Jeep Compass
• 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
• 2022-2023 Ram Promaster

This recall covers 1.033 million vehicles in the United States and 126,000 in Canada, indicating the vast scale of the problem.

Software update to fix the issue

The issue stems from the vehicles' radio software, which may be preventing the rear view images from displaying on the screen, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To address this, Stellantis is rolling out an over-the-air software update to rectify the problem.

A prompt to accept the update will appear on the media screens of the affected vehicles. Stellantis has already updated the software in over 735,000 vehicles, showing significant progress in addressing the issue.

Investigation and response

Stellantis began investigating the problem in October 2023, thoroughly reviewing warranty data, field records, and customer assistance records to understand the extent of the issue. The company is confident that the software update will resolve the problem, ensuring the safety and reliability of their vehicles.

Reassurance to customers

In a statement, Stellantis reassured customers, saying, "We are committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers. The over-the-air software update is designed to swiftly and effectively address the issue, preventing any potential risk of accidents."

The company also highlighted that there have been no reported injuries or crashes related to this recall issue, underscoring their proactive approach in handling the situation.

Looking ahead

This recall is part of Stellantis' broader strategy to maintain high safety standards and ensure customer trust. The ability to issue over-the-air updates demonstrates the company's commitment to leveraging technology for swift problem resolution.

Stellantis' recall follows a trend in the automotive industry where software-related issues are becoming more prevalent due to the increasing complexity of modern vehicles. As cars become more advanced, manufacturers must remain vigilant in identifying and rectifying potential software glitches that could compromise safety.

(Inputs from Reuters)