Stellantis Recalls Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale for Misstated Weight Labels

Stellantis issues a recall for Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale models due to incorrect vehicle capacity weight labels, affecting over 36,000 vehicles.

In a recent announcement, the automotive giant Stellantis has initiated a recall for two of its notable models, the Dodge Hornet and the Alfa Romeo Tonale, citing an error in the vehicle’s tire placard that inaccurately reports the maximum vehicle capacity weight. This recall concerns both 2023 and 2024 models of these vehicles in the United States, signaling an imperative call to owners to have their vehicles checked and corrected at Dodge dealerships. Despite the recall’s nature, it’s worth noting that this measure is not due to a direct safety issue but rather a compliance matter, with the company deeming it voluntary.

The recall stems from the discovery that certain models of the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale were equipped with non-compliant tire placards. These placards erroneously state the vehicles' capacity for the combined weight of occupants and cargo, a critical metric that ensures the safety and efficiency of vehicle operation. According to Stellantis, the oversight involves an estimated 36,093 vehicles, including Hornets manufactured between August 31, 2022, and February 13, 2024, and Tonale models produced from February 9, 2023, to February 10, 2024.

Under the Federal Motors Vehicle Safety Standards in the United States, every vehicle is required to feature a placard that accurately defines the maximum weight of occupants and cargo that the vehicle can safely carry. The incorrect information presented on the placards of the affected Dodge and Alfa Romeo models could potentially lead owners to unknowingly overload their vehicles, thus increasing the risk of a crash.

Stellantis identified the issue on January 30, 2024, and has scheduled to inform dealerships of the recall on April 24. The proposed solution involves the application of an overlay label over the existing incorrect placard to correct the misstated capacity weight.

Interestingly, this is not the first time the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale models have been subject to recall. In a previous instance, it was disclosed that 4,660 units lacked a pedestrian alert siren, a feature designed to emit a chime when the vehicle is reversing, specifically affecting hybrid models. Another recall occurred in September 2023, addressing incorrectly torqued nuts on cables connected to both the 12-volt and high-voltage batteries, underlining the importance of rigorous quality checks in vehicle manufacturing.

These recalls highlight the complexities and challenges inherent in the automotive industry, where safety and compliance are paramount. They also underscore Stellantis’s commitment to adhering to safety standards and rectifying issues as they arise, ensuring the well-being of their customers and the integrity of their products. As vehicle owners schedule their visits to dealerships for the corrective action, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing vigilance required in maintaining vehicle safety and compliance in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.