The Detroit Free Press is reporting that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is seemingly preparing for a huge recall that is yet to be announced. Emissions have been a big topic of several industrywide recalls in recent years and may be the subject for the supposed recall action at the Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands. Approximately one million vehicles could be affected. 

What is the potential recall about 

FCA has multiple brands under its banner that use the 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder engine. In a recent regulatory filing with the SEC, the company said, “In connection with internal testing, we determined that approximately 1 million vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Tigershark engine may have excess tailpipe emissions.” The manufacturer also said it has been in contact with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board about the findings. 

In a company statement, FCA offered,

“FCA has been working closely with EPA and CARB, and we continue to do so, on a group of vehicles equipped with Tigershark engines. As this population ages, some vehicles exceed in-use emission requirements, depending on drive cycle and mileage. We are conducting test programs to define a remedy, which also requires approval by the agencies. Affected customers will be advised when service becomes available, and will be provided free of charge. This is not a safety issue and there are no enforcement actions,”

What are the vehicles in the potential recall

The recall has not been issued yet. But, The Detroit Free Press says based previous unrelated litigation from May regarding the Tigershark engine, six models had the engine installed,

• 2015-16 Chrysler 200
• 2013-16 Dodge Dart
• 2016-20 Fiat 500X
• 2014-20 Jeep Cherokee
• 2017-20 Jeep Compass
• 2015-20 Jeep Renegade

It is important to clarify, it is not known if this potential recall will be for all Tigershark engines or a segmented portion of the production. Sometimes bad batches happen in the production of products. Also, some engines with the same block may be equipped with more accessories than others. So, it is safe to assume that the investigation right now is trying to determine the scope of the trouble as well.

When will notices go out

At this time, this is only an investigation. However, since a statement from the company was made in a regulatory filing regarding the emissions issue, it sounds like an end to the investigation is near. So, action may be near. If such a time does arrive and a recall is required, manufacturers typically reach out to their customers via postal mail and email. Directions on how to proceed with getting vehicles fixed are described in such communication and an 800 number is usually provided. Additionally, the information is made public as well. However, at this time, no such action has been determined, pending the resolution of the investigation and discussions with the EPA and CARB organizations.

Recalls are not fun, but not always necessary. Until the investigations are completed, there can be no firm grasp on whether a technical service bulletin will suffice, or if a full-blown recall will be necessary. Also, keep in mind, if the FCA needs to fix or replace a part, they also need to prepare their service departments ahead of time. So, timing is a wild variable. Keep on eye on MotorBiscuit to stay informed. 

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