An FCA fleet performance investigation has led the automaker to voluntarily recall roughly 75,000 trucks and cars in the U.S. over concerns that certain alternators could short circuit and cause stalling and vehicle fires.
The recall affects certain 2007 to 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks; 3500, 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs; and 2011 to 2014 Dodge Charger Pursuits, which are used by police.
“Certain alternators supplied to the Company may be subject to premature diode wear following frequent load cycling, at or near maximum amperage, in hot ambient temperatures – conditions more consistent with fleet-vehicle usage than that of retail customers,” FCA reports in a company statement.
“Such conditions increase the potential for short-circuit in these alternators, the outcome of which may be engine stall and/or vehicle fire. FCA US is aware of a single potentially related injury, but no accidents.”
According to CNBC, a Ram spokesman said that vehicle fires have been associated with the defective alternators.
Also included in the recall are an additional 10,077 vehicles in Canada; 1,088 in Mexico and 134 outside the NAFTA region.
Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which will be performed free of charge. Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at (800)-853-1403.
