Fiat Chrysler on hot seat for safety problems
Manufacturer may have to buy back 200,000 cars due to suspension defects
It has been a rough couple of weeks for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), first having to deal with the news that Jeep and other models with UConnect could be hacked into and taken over and then being hit with up to $105 million (U.S.) in fines for mishandling 23 recalls.
Related to the latter, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also ordered the company to buy back a huge number of pickup trucks and SUVs, dating back as far as 2008.
The vehicles were recalled for problems with steering and suspension components that could fail and cause a crash. The problem was identified in early 2013, but parts were not made available to dealers to correct the condition — 32 crashes and one death have been attributed to the failure.
In the U.S., FCA must buy back affected vehicles that have not yet had the corrective repairs. In a statement on Monday, FCA estimat- ed that 60 per cent of the affected vehicles have already been remedied. This means there could be about 200,000 vehicles that the company will have to repurchase.
American owners of the affected vehicles can expect to receive “a price equal to the original purchase price, less a reasonable allowance for depreciation, plus 10 per cent.” Alternatively, FCA will repair their vehicle, as per the original recall, if owners wish to keep their vehicle.
Here in Canada, things are a bit less clear. LouAnn Gosselin, head of communications at FCA Canada, says, “Safety is a paramount concern at FCA Canada. Today’s vehicles are safer than ever. FCA Canada takes seriously the safety and satisfaction of its customers. Although the consent order announced Wednesday pertains to FCA U.S. and NHTSA, FCA Canada is in regular communication with Transport Canada and will continue to work closely with Transport Canada officials. FCA Canada is reviewing the contents of the consent order, including the nature and population of vehicles that would potentially be affected by the order.”
Part of that review includes determining how many vehicles are affected in this country. In the meantime, Gosselin ensures us that “there are remedies in place in Canada for the recalls in question, which are available now,” adding that they encourage owners of potentially affected vehicles to book a service appointment with their dealer.
The vehicles included in this program are: 2008-12 Dodge/Ram 1500 pickups 2008-12 Dodge/Ram 4500 and 5500 heavy-duty pickups 2009-11 Dodge Dakota 2009 Dodge Durango 2009 Chrysler Aspen J.D. Power reveals 2015 U.S. APEAL study results There is no question that value is important, but when you are spending such a large chunk of your income on something like a car, it helps if you actually like it. That is where U.S. automotive data giant J.D. Power’s annual Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) study comes in. Now in its 20th year, APEAL “measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.”
This year’s study shows that consumers are enjoying vehicles more overall, but also that non-premium brands are doing a better job of impressing owners than in the past, bringing scores closer to premium brands. Driving aid technologies that are easy to use have more of an impact than those that are more confusing. Blind spot warning systems in particular make consumers happy.
For the 11th year in a row, Porsche ranks highest on the list, with a score of 874 out of 1,000. Jaguar took the second spot with 855, while BMW came in third with 854. Where does fuel flow start? From the things that make one wonder category comes this question from reader Simon McBride: “When you pump your gas, where does the gas start to flow from? The handle? Or the top of the hose? If the guy before you pumped cheap gas, and you want premium gas, are you buying the volume in the hose (cheap gas) at premium pricing?”
Canadian Fuels Association representative Bill Simpkins answers: “Fuel does not remain in the hose. Fuel is pumped from the underground tank storage system where inventory is held and segregated. Fuel subsequently flows through the register as product grade is selected.” As an aside, Simpkins adds that there are typically two tanks, one for regular and one for premium. Midgrade fuels are a mixture of the two. Seventh annual Ride for Sick Kids takes place next weekend For the seventh year in a row, an estimated 500 motorcyclists will hit the road on Aug. 9 in support of the Hospital for Sick Children. The Ride for Sick Kids, which is focused on generating the funds needed to buy new anesthetic monitors for operating rooms, Post Anesthesia Acute Care Units (PACU), the Cardiac Diagnostic and Interventional Unit (CDIU) as well as satellite anesthesia locations, starts at Mackie Harley-Davidson in Oshawa at 10 a.m.
Wheels’ own Mark Richardson, an avid rider, is acting as master of ceremonies for the event, which will see riders travel north to Port Perry with a police escort. The town’s historic main street will be closed for a barbecue party, complete with live music. To learn more, donate or enter to ride, visit rideforsickkids.com, and if you aren’t a rider, there is sure to be lots of exciting machines to see. Freelance writer Gary Grant is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca
In the U.S., Fiat Chrysler must buy back affected vehicles. Part of Fiat Canada’s review includes determining how many vehicles are affected here