Rats. Chrysler defects attorneys have learned that one known field incident—in the 200 billion miles driven by the nearly 5 million Fiat Chryslers affected—has reportedly led to a cruise control-related auto recall of multiple Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles.

According to Fiat Chrysler’s investigators—who reportedly found “dead rodents, damaged wiring, and a nest” when tearing apart the lone 2017 Dodge Journey known to be affected—the cruise control problem could be related to rodent control. It may be entirely caused by rodents chewing the wiring, resulting in short circuiting of the engaged cruise control system which could “block drivers from canceling cruise control while driving.”

According to Fiat Chrysler, not only are there no reports of crashes or injuries related to the cruise control issues, but there are unlikely to be any in the future because three conditions would reportedly need to be combined for the problem to occur:

• a short circuit affecting the CAN–C bus; and
• the vehicle is accelerating; and
• the cruise control is activated.

There are reportedly 15 models of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles spanning the years 2014–2018 that comprise the nearly 5 million automatic transmission models with gasoline-powered engines that are subject to this recall.

Chrysler suggests that owners of affected vehicles not to the activate cruise control until it has been repaired. Alternatively, if they do and it gets stuck while driving—they recommend drivers apply the brakes while shifting into neutral and, upon stopping, put the vehicle in park, thereby disengaging the cruise control.

If you have questions regarding an auto recall or feel you may be driving a “lemon” because your relatively new vehicle is always in the shop for the same stubborn repair, the Law Offices of Timothy Abeel & Associates can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Depending on the nature of your problem, you may be entitled to a full refund of your down payment, trade-in, monthly payments and taxes, or a brand-new car or a cash settlement. Stop getting the runaround and get an attorney on your side.

Timothy Abeel & Associates is a national law firm that handles lemon law claims across the country. Reviews can be seen on AVVO, Google, Glen Mills Yelp, Roseland Yelp, & Pittsburgh Yelp.