Dodge Dart recall: Cold weather can stall engine
Chrysler is conducting a voluntary safety recall of certain 2013 model year Dodge Dart compact cars for a potential engine stall problem.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website puts the number of vehicles potentially affected by the recall at 12,907. Affected vehicles are equipped with a 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission and were built from March 1, 2012 through February 28, 2013.
According to the NHTSA bulletin and documentation from Chrysler (PDF), these vehicles may experience an engine stall when the temperature is 20-degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
Engine stall increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
Chrysler said it discovered the problem in January 2013 after a report of engine stall on an early build Dodge Dart. After an investigation, testing and validation, Chrysler determined that reprogramming the engine control module would solve the problem.
The automaker said it had 32 customer complaints and 51 field reports reported between September 26, 2012 and April 23, 2013 potentially related to the engine stall problem. Chrysler said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
Chrysler will notify owners of affected vehicles and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module at no charge.
The Chrysler safety recall, identified as No. N32, is expected to begin in June 2013. In the meantime, owners of 2013 Dodge Dart compact cars equipped with 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine and dual dry clutch transmission with any questions or concerns may contact Chrysler at1-800-247-9763.
Alternatively, owners of vehicles involved in the campaign may contact NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Reference the NHTSA campaign ID No. 13V238000.
