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Dive Brief:

• Stellantis subsidiary FCA US has recalled 21,000 SUVs in the U.S. for a condition where “the brake pedal may collapse and cause a loss of brake function,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

• The recalls cover 2024-2025 Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid vehicles produced between July 20, 2023, through July 18, 2024, which are built on the same platform. The suspect brake pedal assembly was manufactured by FCA US.

• The company is aware of 12 cases of brake pedal collapses globally from Nov. 8, 2023, to April 4, 2024, including one leading to an accident. However, no injuries were reported.

Dive Insight:

Although a growing number of recalls can be addressed via over-the-air software updates, drivers of the recalled Dodge and Alfa Romeo vehicles will need to schedule a service appointment at a dealer to have the brake pedal arm reinforced due to the mechanical nature of the problem. The repair includes adding a bolt and nut to strengthen the pedal assembly to prevent collapse, which will be free of charge.

However, due to the potential safety concerns, Stellantis issued a statement advising drivers how to stop their vehicles in the event of brake pedal collapse.

“Should this happen, the Electronic Park Brake, located on the center console, can be pulled up and held while driving to slow the vehicle to a controlled stop, Stellantis wrote in a statement Oct. 16. “Additionally, the Automatic Emergency Braking system, unless deactivated, will intervene without further action from the driver when it detects a collision is imminent.”

Stellantis Europe opened an investigation into the problem on Sept. 27 after a series of warranty cases related to brake pedal assemblies collapsing during normal driving. From Sept, 27 through Oct. 1, the company reviewed supplier data and warranty records to determine the exact number of vehicles impacted. Based on its findings, Stellantis elected to issue a voluntary recall of the vehicles.

FCA US said it would begin contacting owners of the recalled vehicles in the U.S. on Oct 24.

Stellantis also had other major recalls this year. In June, the company recalled over one million vehicles for a review camera display fault. It was one of the largest recalls of 2024. Last month, the automaker recalled another 1.2 million 2019, 2021-2024 Ram 1500 pickups due to a software malfunction related to the anti-lock brake system.

Safety recalls like these can impact brand reputation and perceived vehicle quality, according to a 2019 report from McKinsley.

The latest Stellantis recall comes as the automaker adjusts to a leadership overhaul in North America and grapples with a recent slump in sales. Earlier this month, FCA US reported a 20% decline Q3 sales compared to the same period last year.