Major car brand issues urgent recall for 1.2 million vehicles as brake concerns may see drivers crash

The recall acknowledgement letter states that the 2019 model version of the RAM 1500 pick-up truck, as well as those manufactured between 2021 and 2024.

It reports that due to a software malfunction, the "anti-lock brake system (ABS) control module may disable the electronic stability control system".

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These vehicles could fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126 and lead to an increased risk of a crash.

The NHTSA reported that dealers will update the ABS control module software free of charge, while notification letters will be sent to owners on October 3, 2024.

The brand was first made aware of a potential issue on February 15, with further investigations being made in March and April.

Following this, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) conducted a voluntary safety recall of the affected recalls on August 30, prompting the NHTSA to confirm the recall this week.

FCA also announced that it has a longstanding policy and practice of reimbursing owners who have incurred the cost of repairing a problem that subsequently becomes the subject of a field action.

Customers will be requested to send the original receipt and other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the expense.

Stellantis also announced in a separate statement that it was recalling 32,863 Jeep Gladiator vehicles manufactured between 2020-2024 and Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured between 2018-2024.

This was down to fears around the instrument panel cluster in the vehicle which could cause an internal short circuit, again increasing the risk of an accident.

Chrysler was also forced to issue a recall in July after 3,606 Pacifica plug-in hybrid cars were at risk of a vehicle fire when parked.

It was reported that the battery pack included in the vehicle could cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "off" position, prompting the recall notice.

Owners have been advised to not charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired, which will be done for free.

While the recall impacts more than 3,600 vehicles, it is estimated that only five per cent of them actually have the defect, according to NHTSA documents.

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It reported that a folded or torn anode tab may result in the generation of lithium by-product over time, which could lead to an internal short within the pack, potentially resulting in a vehicle fire.