Alfa Romeo and Dodge Hornet owners may be unhappy right now. Stellantis recalls 54,000 hybrid SUVs worldwide due to brake pedal safety issues. The 2024-2025 Alfa Romeo Tonal and 2024 Dodge Hornet hybrids are both affected. A number of incidents, including one collision, have been reported worldwide; in the United States alone, 21,000 vehicles are being recalled.
Popular hybrid models are affected by widespread recall.
Stellantis, the parent company of several well-known automotive brands, has issued a large recall affecting 54,000 hybrid SUVs worldwide. The recall applies to the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid models from 2024 to 2025. This action is in response to a potential safety hazard involving the brake pedal mechanism, which could disengage during use, posing a serious risk to both drivers and passengers.
The recall is widespread, affecting 21,069 vehicles in the United States, 2,280 in Canada, and 134 in Mexico. Furthermore, 30,517 vehicles outside of North America are affected, highlighting the global reach of this safety concern. Stellantis has reported 15 instances of brake pedal assemblies collapsing worldwide, including one collision, but no injuries have been reported thus far.
Stellantis recalls over 20,000 plug-in hybrid SUVs over potential brake pedal issue https://t.co/a3KznRWOr2
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) October 16, 2024
Addressing the Safety Concern
Stellantis has developed a strategy to address the problem. Authorized dealers will reinforce the brake pedal with a bolt and nut to avoid potential disengagement. This simple fix is expected to effectively address the safety concerns. Meanwhile, the automaker has advised owners of affected vehicles to use their electronic parking brake if their brakes fail.
Stellantis reminds owners that their vehicles have automatic emergency braking as an added safety feature. If a collision is imminent, this system will activate, adding an additional layer of protection. However, this feature can be deactivated, so drivers should keep it enabled for maximum safety.
Ask you doctor if Stellantis is right for you https://t.co/oWm7weufxt
— TREV PAGE (@Model3Owners) October 16, 2024
Impact on Stellantis and Consumer Response
The recall comes at a critical time for Stellantis, which has made significant progress in the hybrid vehicle market. Stellantis sold 15,566 Hornets and 2,737 Tonales in the United States alone by September 30, 2024, indicating growing consumer interest in these models. This recall may have an impact on consumer confidence and sales momentum for these new entrants into the competitive hybrid SUV market.
Stellantis is taking proactive steps to address the problem and retain customer trust. The company intends to send notification letters to affected owners beginning October 24, 2024. Owners are encouraged to act quickly to ensure that their vehicles receive the necessary repairs. Stellantis has made resources available through their customer service channels as well as the mopar.com/recalls website.
Concerned owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for more information on this recall. The NHTSA has assigned the recall campaign number 24V752000 for ease of reference.
As the automotive industry develops hybrid and electric technologies, this recall serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of vehicle safety and the need for prompt action when potential hazards are identified. Consumers and industry analysts will be closely watching Stellantis’ response to this issue, as it could set a precedent for how major automakers handle safety concerns in today’s rapidly changing vehicle landscape.
Sources:
- Stellantis Recalls 54,000 Hybrid SUVs Worldwide Over Brake Pedal Defect
- Stellantis Recalls Plug-In Hybrid SUVs Over Brake Pedal Issue
