Stellantis Recall Alert

Recalls

It looks like Stellantis has hit a bump in the road with a couple of recent recalls. This affects a slew of vehicles from their various brands, including Alfa Romeo, Dodge, and Maserati. Here’s what’s up.

Dodge and Alfa Romeo

Dodge is pulling back about 40,372 Hornets while Alfa Romeo is recalling 8,122 Tonales. The main gripe here is a glitchy display module that sometimes won’t show the rearview camera image when backing up. This doesn’t meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, which spells trouble for the 2023-2025 models.

Now, here’s the lowdown. The issue seems to stem from a “cold soldering” problem on a voltage regulator or a software hiccup within the microprocessor. Stellantis figured this out following an investigation that started in Europe back in March last year. For a resolution, dealerships will replace the infotainment system or freshen up the software. Owners should expect notifications come June.

Maserati

Switching gears, Maserati’s recalling 21 GranTurismo vehicles from 2024. The snafu here? It’s all about the paint, specifically a textured topcoat that’s causing essential labels to peel off.

While it might sound a bit odd, these labels are vital because the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards demand that specific information needs to be glued to a placard on the driver’s side. Without them, the car’s not compliant. The culprit in this case is reportedly the sheen of the Nero Scarabeo clear coat that’s resisting proper adhesion. Maserati has promised to fix it by supplying new sticky labels that should do the trick.

Driving Experience

Now, let’s talk about what it feels like behind the wheel of these models. The Alfa Romeo Tonale shares its bones with the Dodge Hornet. Both vehicles come with vigor, boasting impressive handling and a kick of Italian charm coupled with American muscle. The Tonale is marked by its smoother drive and stylish interior, setting it apart in a class often dominated by the likes of the BMW X1 or the Audi Q3. Meanwhile, the Maserati GranTurismo, known for its roaring V8 – which has a voice unmatched in its segment – offers drivers a thrill and a heartbeat that resonates with a true sports car enthusiast. Its drive is exhilarating, a far cry from the plush luxury of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the technical prowess of a Porsche 911.