Stellantis Corrects Label Error on Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet Models

Stellantis announces a recall to reprint labels for 1,201 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles due to an omission of rim size information.

Stellantis, the automotive giant behind popular brands like Alfa Romeo and Dodge, has encountered a minor hiccup in the production of its 2024 models of the Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet. Due to a labeling oversight, the company is now tasked with reprinting and distributing new stickers for 1,201 vehicles to accurately display rim size information, an essential detail required under U.S. regulations.

This labeling issue marks the second recent misstep for Stellantis, following closely on the heels of an error involving non-compliant tire placards that inaccurately reported vehicle capacity weight values earlier in the month. The latest oversight concerns the omission of crucial rim size details on the vehicles' stickers, a mistake that was identified by the European Customer Experience team on February 26. A swift investigation confirmed the lapse the following day.

Manufacturing cars is an intricate process, involving adherence to numerous international and national regulations. The oversight is somewhat understandable given that both the Tonale and Hornet are manufactured in Europe, where teams must juggle multiple regulatory standards. Nonetheless, compliance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulations is non-negotiable, as incorrect rim size information could potentially elevate the risk of vehicular crashes.

Under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 571.110 S4.3.3, automakers are mandated to disclose rim size information on their vehicles. The absence of such data on the stickers of the Tonale and Hornet has necessitated this recall action by Stellantis. While not an immediate safety threat, the correction underscores the importance of accurate vehicle labeling to ensure compliance and safety.

Stellantis has outlined a straightforward fix for the issue: the production of new stickers that include the correct rim size information. Starting May 8, the company will begin contacting owners of the affected vehicles, instructing them on how to obtain and apply the new labels to their cars. In keeping with standard practice for recalls, Stellantis will provide the updated stickers at no charge to vehicle owners.

This proactive approach by Stellantis to rectify the labeling error demonstrates the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and customer safety. While minor in nature, the correction is a necessary step to ensure that all information pertaining to vehicle specifications is accurate and complete, thus maintaining the trust and confidence of consumers in the brand.