Fiat Chrysler recalls 162,000 minivans due to glitch that may cause stall

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV stated on Friday it was recalling over 162,000 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans because a software glitch may trigger the vehicles to stall.

The automaker said one mishap had possibly been linked to the problem. Under an uncommon set of conditions, a vehicle’s engine control module may improperly assess the engine’s operating status and trigger it to stall, Fiat Chrysler stated.

Dealers will update the engine control software, the company stated, adding that a lot of occurrences connected with the glitch took place at low speeds or when the vehicles were starting.

The Center for Auto Safety, a customer advocacy group, petitioned the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in November to examine the issue after it said at least 50 owners had reported stalling in new Pacifica minivans. The agency asked Fiat Chrysler to address concerns about the stalling last month.

Fiat Chrysler stated it had started investigating the problem before the petition was submitted.

The recall includes almost 154,000 vehicles in the United States and over 8,000 others all over the world, however the company did not immediately say when the new software would be offered.

Hybrid gas-electric versions of the minivans are not covered in the recall.