FCA Recalls 4.8 Million Vehicles to Fix Cruise Control Flaw

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is calling back 4.8 million cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans in the U.S. with cruise controls that may jam and become unable to turn off.

The problem can be fixed with a software update. FCA urges customers not to use the cruise control function until their vehicles are fixed.

The recall, which will begin next week, involves certain vehicles made between 2014 and 2018. Models covered by the campaign are:

• Chrysler 200 and 300 sedans
• Chrysler Pacifica minivans
• Dodge Challenger and Charger cars
• Dodge Journey crossover vehicles
• Dodge Durango SUVs
• Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler SUVs
• Ram 1500-5500 pickup trucks

FCA says the problem occurs only when cruise control is active and a short-circuit occurs as the system is automatically accelerating to maintain its preset speed. Under that unlikely combination of events, the cruise control cannot be turned off manually or by tapping the brakes.

The company notes that the driver could still use the brakes to overpower the cruise control system and bring the vehicle to a halt. The driver also could shift to neutral and brake to a stop. In either case, shifting the stopped vehicle into Park will cancel the cruise-control function, according to FCA.