The Environmental Protection Agency has announced Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will voluntarily recall 862,520 vehicles in the United States.
The agency didn’t go into specifics, but said the vehicles do not meet emission standards. The government went on to say the recall is the result of “in-use emissions investigations conducted by EPA and in-use testing conducted by FCA as required by EPA regulations.”
While FCA’s previous emissions recall involved the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine, the latest recall impacts vehicles with petrol engines. They include the 2011-2016 Dodge Journey (JC FWD), 2011-2014 Chrysler 200 / Dodge Avenger (JS FWD), 2011-2012 Dodge Caliber (PM FWD CVT) and 2011-2016 Jeep Compass / Patriot (MK FWD CVT).
The EPA says that “due to the large number of vehicles involved and the need to supply replacement components – specifically to the vehicle’s catalytic converter – this recall will be implemented in phases.” The first phase will begin shortly and involve fixing vehicles from the 2011 model year. The second phase will kick off in the second quarter of 2019 and focus on making repairs to vehicles from the 2012 model year. Repairs to 2013 and 2014 model year vehicles will occur in the third quarter, while 2015 and 2016 model year vehicles will be fixed in the fourth quarter.
FCA will contact owners when parts become available and they’ll be able to schedule an appointment to have their vehicle fixed. The EPA also noted owners can continue to drive their vehicles in the meantime, but cautioned “Owners who live in locations subject to inspection and maintenance may be required to have the recall performed prior to having the inspection performed.” That could prove problematic as the recall is being conducted in phases.
In a statement, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said “EPA welcomes the action by Fiat Chrysler to voluntarily recall its vehicles that do not meet U.S. emissions standards.” He went on to say, “We will provide assistance to consumers navigating the recall and continue to ensure that auto manufacturers abide by our nation’s laws designed to protect human health and the environment.”