Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) will recall more than a thousand vehicles suffering from windshield wiper-related defects.
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The manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) they will recall 1,505 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio vehicles built between April 12 and Aug. 28, 2017.
The affected vehicles are programmed with wiper motor software that can mistakenly calculate the wiper motor is overheating and limit wiper function. This makes the vehicle noncompliant with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 104 (windshield wiping and washing systems).
FCA’s recall chronology states windshield wiper manufacturer Bosch notified them of a potential problem with the software on Aug. 2, 2017. FCA and Bosch engineers worked together from September 2017 to February 2018 to understand the problem and determine any potential safety risks.
The chronology states FCA determined on Feb. 26, 2018 that although they could confirm visibility in all test conditions, the software still did not meet federal safety standards.
The company decided on Feb. 27, 2018 to issue a recall.
FCA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 25, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is U24. Alfa Romeo owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
The manufacturer of your vehicle is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide the loss value of your recalled vehicle, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to help you.
Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.