A pair of recalls are being issued for certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUVs.
(Photo: FCA US)
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is issuing recalls for certain 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUVs, in part because the rear liftgate could open unintentionally at very low speeds.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued an alert about the recalls, technically two separate ones, which could affect up to 12,595 vehicles.
The Stelvio represents a key piece of FCA’s return strategy for the Alfa Romeo brand to the U.S. market. The Stelvio launched last year, adding a crucial SUV addition to a lineup anchored previously by the Giulia sedan. Through the end of March, FCA said it sold 2,653 Stelvios in the U.S. this year.
The company said it is unaware of any related injuries or accidents and that affected customers will be notified next month.
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Both recalls, which are expected to start May 18, say the company will install sealant against leaking water, which could cause corrosion. The remedy will be provided free of charge.
In the case of the liftgate (recall U34), “corrosion at the connectors may cause the liftgate to unintentionally open while moving at speeds of less than 3 miles per hour, allowing cargo to fall out of the vehicle, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash,” according to NHTSA.
The other recall (U36) involves water leaking at the front of the vehicle.
“Electrical malfunctions such as windshield wipers that may not work in the rain and lights that may not work at night increase the risk of a crash,” according to NHTSA.
Owners can contact the FCA recall information center at 800-853-1403, Alfa Romeo premium care at 866-932-3881 or NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.
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