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If you’ve been keeping an eye on the automotive world lately, you’ve probably noticed that Stellantis, the parent company of some of America’s most iconic brands — Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Chrysler — has been having a rough go of it. From mass Stellantis recalls to vehicle fires and dismal reliability ratings, it seems like the global automobile manufacturer just can’t catch a break.
For consumers, this raises significant concerns about safety, dependability and the future of these beloved brands.
Jeep Fires and Underhood Investigations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently opened an investigation into more than 781,000 Jeep models. They have received close to 10 complaints of underhood fires that occur even when the ignition is off.
The investigation covers:
- Jeep Gladiator 2020 to 2024 series.
- Jeep Wrangler 2018 to 2024, including 32,000 of its plug-in hybrid Wranglers.
Stellantis has acknowledged the issue and says they’re cooperating fully with the investigation. Although the company has initiated Jeep recalls, the damage to consumer trust is palpable.
So, guys, if you own one of these vehicles, keep your eyes peeled and your nose alert for any trouble. If you notice signs of fire when driving, maintain your cool and slowly get off the road before calling in the relevant help. It’s a general recommendation to park your car in well-thought-out places, far from property. It lessens the extent of damage in the event of a spontaneous fire.
Ram Recalls in the Spotlight
If you think the fire situation is the only rodeo Stellantis was dealing with, hold that thought. In a separate issue, the company had to recall over a million Ram pickup trucks. The Ram recall saga has involved several issues, from software glitches to mechanical failures. Most recently, the car manufacturer aims to address a software bug that could disable the vehicle’s electronic stability control (ESC) system.
When the ESC malfunctions in the event of a momentary loss of control, the braking system may fail to work properly, putting you at risk of crashing. Fortunately, there have been no reported incidences or accidents due to this.
The recall affects:
- Ram 1500 trucks, up to 2029 models.
- Jeep Gladiator 2020 to 2024.
- Jeep Wrangler 2018 to 2024.
Stellantis says they’ll update the software for free, so if you’ve got one of these trucks, make sure to get it to your dealer pronto and schedule an appointment.
Rock Bottom Reliability Scores
As if the recalls and fires weren’t enough, Stellantis’ cars are also grappling with dismal reliability scores. In a survey involving 30 car brands used in the U.S., Stellantis brands ranked among the lowest in used vehicle reliability. In fact, Chrysler’s are at the bottom, with reliability scores that leave much to be desired — a troubling sign for a company that has long prided itself on building rugged, dependable vehicles.
For consumers, low reliability or performance scores translate to frequent repairs, higher maintenance costs and potential safety risks. This is a major red flag for potential buyers looking to purchase second-hand vehicles from the automobile manufacturer. It’s no surprise there’s a growing sense of unease among Stellantis customers.
Why the Stellantis Recalls?
So, what’s the deal? How did Stellantis, a company with such storied brands under its umbrella, end up in this situation? There are a few factors at play:
- Merger growing pains: Stellantis was formed in 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group. Mergers of this scale are often affected by growing pains as the different corporate cultures and systems work toward integration.
- Supply chain issues: The global automotive sector has been grappling with supply chain disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic. This could be the reason behind most quality control issues as manufacturers scramble to meet demand with limited parts availability.
- Rapid technological changes: The push towards electrification and advanced driver assistance systems has put pressure on all automakers to innovate quickly. Sometimes, this rush can lead to overlooked issues.
- Legacy problems: Some of these issues, particularly reliability concerns, might be holdovers from before the merger that Stellantis is now working on addressing.
How This Affects You: What You Need to Do
If you currently own a Stellantis make or are considering purchasing one, here’s what you can do in light of the current and any future recalls:
- Stay informed: Keep an eye out for recall notices and act on them promptly to stay ahead of potential hazards. Stellantis regularly issues recall notices, so make sure you’re receiving notifications. These won’t help if you don’t take action. Also, check the NHTSA’s website to see if your make and model is affected by any recalls
- Schedule regular maintenance: Many of the problems leading to recalls can be caught early with proper maintenance. Schedule routine checks with a certified mechanic to conduct comprehensive examinations to catch potential issues early.
- Be vigilant: If you own one of the models under investigation for fires, be extra cautious. If you notice anything unusual, don’t ignore — report it.
- Schedule immediate repairs: If your vehicle is part of a recall, prioritize getting it fixed to avoid safety risks.
- Consider extended warranties: If you’re eyeing a Stellantis brand in the showroom, given the reliability concerns, as you assess the condition and performance of the car, consider negotiating an extended warranty as a safety cushion.
- Consider resale value: Low reliability scores mean your Stellantis vehicle’s resale value could take a hit. Keep this in mind if you’re considering selling your car or truck in the near future.
The Road Ahead for Stellantis
It’s not all doom and gloom for Stellantis. The company has acknowledged these issues and is taking steps to address them. They’ve announced investments in quality control and are working on improving the reliability of their electric and hybrid vehicles, which could help resolve some of the issues associated with traditional powertrains.
Despite these issues, Stellantis still has a loyal fan base, especially among Jeep and Ram owners. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to restore consumer confidence.
With competitors like Ford and GM stepping up their game, the global giant is under immense pressure to get things right. For now, the company’s future depends on how quickly it can resolve these quality control issues and regain its footing in the market.
