FCA’s Latest Recall Counts Over 500,000 Vehicles But Has A Very Simple Remedy

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling more than half a million vehicles in a new safety campaign that includes both North America and other global markets.

In the United States, it counts 316,626 examples of the Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic, made from April 28, 2019, to March 3, 2020, and 108,962 units of the Jeep Compass, assembled between May 12, 2019, and March 3, 2020. Another 76,280 are subjected to the recall in Canada, 3,280 in Mexico and 48,802 outside the NAFTA region, adding up to 553,950, with an estimated percentage defect of 100 percent.

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In the description of the defect, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explained that “an improperly formed wiper arm head joint may not properly form the splines of the head joint on the wiper arm, which can allow the joint to strip and result in the wiper arm failing to operate properly when the system is activated”. Prior to failure, the wipers will not clear the windshield properly and will not rest in the usual positions.

The potentially dangerous defect was discovered internally at the beginning of the year. As of March 26, FCA was aware of 439 warranty claims and no accidents or injuries related to this condition.

What’s the fix?

The remedy will see authorized technicians tighten the wiper nuts, free of charge. The recall is expected to commence on May 29, and until then, concerned owners can reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or Chrysler Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403, using the W25 reference number for any questions they may have on the topic.