In a significant safety move, car manufacturer Stellantis has announced a recall of 44,500 hybrid crossover SUVs worldwide due to concerns that the brake pedal could disengage and stop working. The recall affects specific Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrid models built between 2024 and 2025.
The recall was revealed in a filing with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and confirmed by Stellantis. Out of the total affected vehicles, 21,069 are in the United States, with another 2,280 in Canada, 134 in Mexico, and 20,987 spread across other regions globally.
The automaker warned that the brake pedal in some vehicles could inadvertently disengage during use, potentially causing drivers to lose braking power. Stellantis acknowledged 15 instances of brake pedal assembly failure, including one crash, but no injuries have been reported.
As part of the recall, dealers will install a bolt and nut to reinforce the brake pedal assembly, aiming to prevent further incidents. Stellantis also advised that, in the event of brake failure, drivers can use the electronic parking brake to slow their vehicle safely. Additionally, the automatic emergency braking system, if not deactivated, will activate to avoid potential collisions.
The recall affects the 2024 and 2025 model-year Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrids, as well as the Dodge Hornet plug-in hybrids, both built on the same platform. So far, Stellantis has sold 15,566 Dodge Hornets and 2,737 Alfa Romeo Tonales in the U.S. through September 2024.
This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent quality control in hybrid and electric vehicles as automakers ramp up production to meet growing demand.
