Stellantis is now having to recall the big ones, because a number of car brands have built cars with brake pedals that collapse.
Stellantis, the car group behind 13 different car brands, faces another significant challenge. In addition to struggling with low sales figures, the group has now announced a recall of approximately 44,000 plug-in hybrid cars worldwide.
The reason for the recall is a potential failure of the brake pedals that could lead to collapse during the crossing.
The affected models are the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV from 2024-2025 and the American counterpart, the Dodge Hornet PHEV from 2024.
In the US, the recall includes 17,000 Dodge Hornets and 4,000 Alfa Romeo Tonales. Globally, 2,299 cars are based in Canada, 145 in Mexico and 20,987 in other regions. All of the recalled cars are produced at Stellantis' factory in Pomigliano, Italy.
Stellantis has tried to market both the Alfa Romeo Tonale and the Dodge Hornet as significant players in hybrid cars. However, this recall may slow down sales of these models.
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Stellantis has issued instructions to motorists on how to safely stop their cars if the brake pedal fails. They recommend using the electronic parking brake located in the center console.
– During the crossing, the car can be brought to a controlled stop by pulling and holding the parking brake, explains the car manufacturer.
In practice, it can be difficult to react calmly and find the small button on the console if the brake pedal suddenly collapses during the crosswalk.
Stellantis assures customers that the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system will activate if it detects a potential collision, provided the system is not disabled. However, this can be of little consolation to drivers who experience brake failure.
The necessary repair is relatively simple. Dealers will reinforce the brake pedal arms with a bolt and nut instead of replacing the entire brake pedal.
Stellantis has confirmed 15 cases of collapsed brake pedals worldwide, including one accident, but thankfully no injuries.
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