Dodge Journey and Fiat Freemont engine-cover recall affects 350k CUVs
Wed, Jul 22 2015
Only models with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine are affected by this campaign. According to the company, the engine covers on these vehicles can be dislodged, and this can pose a fire risk if the loose part comes in contact with hot exhaust components. Warning signs of this happening include a noise under the hood, burning smell or a light on the instrument panel.
The problem was discovered after three incidents on rough roads in Chile, and there was one minor injury there. According to FCA US spokesperson Eric Mayne to Autoblog, there have been eight occurrences of this issue reported in the US, but these were all related to "heat damage." There have been no reported injuries here.
To fix the problem, dealers will install new engine-cover retainers on the affected models. These repairs will begin in August. As always for recall repairs, owners won't be charged.
Statement: Engine Cover
July 22, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 144,416 crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) in the U.S. to better secure their engine covers.
Engine covers in certain vehicles may become dislodged. If they come in contact with exhaust components, it may pose a fire risk.
This condition was discovered during an FCA US investigation of three incidents in Chile. In each case, the vehicle had been driven extensively on unpaved or uneven surfaces. The Company is aware of a single related injury, described as minor.
Affected are 2011-2015 Dodge Journey and Fiat Freemont CUVs equipped with 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engines. FCA US will install upgraded engine-cover retainers in these vehicles. The remedy will be available when customer notification begins next month; service will be performed free of charge.
Vehicles equipped with six-cylinder engines are not affected.
Additional Journey and Freemont populations also are subject to this campaign. They comprise an estimated 43,679 vehicles in Canada; 46,231 in Mexico; and 115,405 outside the NAFTA region.
Of the 349,731 total vehicles subject to this campaign, approximately 10 percent remain in dealer hands.
Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.
Indicators of a loose engine cover may include noise from the vehicle's engine compartment, a burning odor and/or a warning light in the instrument cluster. Customers who experience these events are advised to contact their dealers.
July 22, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 144,416 crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) in the U.S. to better secure their engine covers.
Engine covers in certain vehicles may become dislodged. If they come in contact with exhaust components, it may pose a fire risk.
This condition was discovered during an FCA US investigation of three incidents in Chile. In each case, the vehicle had been driven extensively on unpaved or uneven surfaces. The Company is aware of a single related injury, described as minor.
Affected are 2011-2015 Dodge Journey and Fiat Freemont CUVs equipped with 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engines. FCA US will install upgraded engine-cover retainers in these vehicles. The remedy will be available when customer notification begins next month; service will be performed free of charge.
Vehicles equipped with six-cylinder engines are not affected.
Additional Journey and Freemont populations also are subject to this campaign. They comprise an estimated 43,679 vehicles in Canada; 46,231 in Mexico; and 115,405 outside the NAFTA region.
Of the 349,731 total vehicles subject to this campaign, approximately 10 percent remain in dealer hands.
Customers with questions or concerns may call the FCA US Customer Care Center at 1-800-853-1403.
Indicators of a loose engine cover may include noise from the vehicle's engine compartment, a burning odor and/or a warning light in the instrument cluster. Customers who experience these events are advised to contact their dealers.
By Chris Bruce
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