FCA Recalls Chrysler, Jeep and Ram Models for Transmission Flaw

By Chris Chase

Jul 25, 2016

Car News

Summary

Loose wiring connection could cause loss of drive

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling more than 35,000 vehicles to fix a wiring connection that could lead to a transmission malfunction.

In some Chrysler 200, Jeep Cherokee and Renegade and Ram Promaster City models, the nine-speed automatic transmission's wiring harness may have improper crimps that could cause a poor electrical connection. If that happens, the transmission may unexpectedly shift into neutral.

FCA hasn't come up with a fix yet, but we expect it will be relatively straightforward and involve inspecting the wiring harnesses in the affected vehicles and replacing them where necessary.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has spent a lot of time dealing with transmission-related problems in recent months. In June 2016, the company recalled vehicles equipped with its six-speed automatic to fix faulty hydraulic transmission pumps, and an April recall followed incidents of vehicle rollaways blamed on an electronic shifter.

Chrysler is also one of a handful of automakers that has devoted a lot of engineering effort to address shift quality issues in the nine-speed automatic, which is built by a German company called ZF and also used by Honda and Land Rover.

Meet the Author

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.