Stellantis inadvertently misstated the maximum vehicle capacity weight value on the tire placard label affixed to 36,093 crossovers manufactured for the US market, along with an additional 5,878 units for Canada.
This issue affects the 2023 to 2024 model year Dodge Hornet and its technically similar counterpart, the Alfa Romeo Tonale, produced in Pomigliano d’Arco, Italy.
The impacted vehicles bear VINs beginning with “ZA,” denoting manufacture in Italy, where VINs start with two-letter combinations from ZA to ZU. Despite the discrepancy, this label error triggers a safety recall due to non-compliance with a specific safety standard (FMVSS 110/CMVSS 110).
Though overloading isn’t a prevalent concern with crossover models compared to heavier vehicles, such as truck-based SUVs or pickups, adherence to safety standards remains paramount. Consequently, FCA US LLC and FCA Canada Inc. initiated a recall to rectify the labeling inaccuracies.
To remedy this issue, dealers will affix overlay labels containing accurate tire placard information. Affected owners will receive notification via first-class mail by April 24. Stellantis Europe S.p.A. acknowledged the noncompliance on February 23, prompting the European entity’s decision to initiate a safety recall four days later.
Stellantis, formed in January 2021 through the merger of Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, boasts a diverse automotive portfolio. While headquartered in Amsterdam for strategic reasons, its operational scope extends globally, encompassing brands like Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, and Vauxhall.