Washington, U.S.

Stellantis is recalling 44,500 hybrid crossover SUVs globally because of a potential defect in the brake pedal that could cause disengagement while in use. Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet plug-in SUVs from 2024 and 2025 model years, which are on the same platform, are involved in this recall.

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The company acknowledged the recall in a statement and a filing with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recalled vehicles are comprised of approximately 2,280 in Canada, 134 in Mexico, and around 20,987 in other regions not part of North America.

The defect could cause the brake pedal to accidentally disengage during use, Stellantis said. The company received 15 reports of brake pedal assemblies collapsing while driving, including one, but there's been no one injured.

To solve the problem, dealers will add an additional bolt and nut over the existing to reinforce the brake pedal. Meanwhile, owners of affected models are advised to use the electronic parking brake to stop the vehicle in the case of a loss of braking power. If the automatic emergency braking system is indeed enabled, then the system should activate as soon as it detects a potential collision.

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Through September 30, 2021, Stellantis sold 15,566 Hornets and 2,737 Tonales in the United States. The fact that this is a recall demonstrates the company's commitment to safety as well as its seriousness about correcting faulty products when necessary. Customers are asked to contact their dealers for additional information, and to schedule repairs.