Breaking: stellantis recalls 27,000 US Vehicles Over Potential Brake Pedal Failure
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: stellantis recalls 27,000 US Vehicles Over Potential Brake Pedal Failure
- 2. What’s being fixed
- 3. Scope and cross-border note
- 4. At a glance
- 5. Why this matters for drivers
- 6. What readers should consider
- 7. ModelModel YearVIN RangeTrim LevelsDodge Hornet Hybrid2024‑20251D7 … 1D9S, GT, R/T HybridAlfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid2024‑2025ZAR … ZATTi, Veloce, Sport HybridOnly vehicles equipped with the 1.3 L Turbo‑Hybrid eTorque powertrain are included.
- 8. recall Overview
- 9. affected Vehicles
- 10. Root Cause of Brake Pedal Failure
- 11. Safety Risks & Symptoms
- 12. Owner Action Steps
- 13. Repair Process & Warranty
- 14. Typical Service Flow
- 15. Frequently Asked Questions
- 16. Impact on Resale Value
- 17. Additional Resources & References
Stellantis issued a safety recall amid concerns that a brake pedal could fail under sharp braking, affecting about 27,000 vehicles in the United States. The affected models are the dodge Hornet and the Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid.
Authorities warn that a fractured pedal can leave drivers unable to stop, significantly increasing crash risk. The company says the hazard is confined to the pedal mechanism and does not imply a fault with the overall braking system.
What’s being fixed
The fix involves tightening the mounting bolt and nut on the pedal. dealers will replace the entire pedal assembly only if the pedal has already broken in use.In the interim, drivers are advised to rely on the electronic handbrake as an auxiliary stopping measure if the pedal fails.
The vehicles also include an emergency braking system designed to assist in avoidance,provided it has not been disabled.
Scope and cross-border note
Even though the recall targets U.S.models, Stellantis records one related accident in Europe. Both affected models are manufactured in Italy, suggesting potential exposure beyond U.S. shores.
At a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Models affected | Dodge Hornet; Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid |
| Recall scope | About 27,000 vehicles in the United states |
| Manufacturing | Italy |
| Fix | Tighten pedal mounting hardware; pedal block replaced only if the pedal has broken |
| Safety aids | Electronic parking brake; active emergency braking |
| European note | One known accident linked to the issue in Europe |
Why this matters for drivers
The recall highlights ongoing attention to pedal durability in modern vehicles, especially in plug-in hybrids and performance-oriented models. It reinforces the need for swift recall actions to prevent incidents on roadways and emphasize the role of safety systems in reducing crash severity.
What readers should consider
have you checked if your vehicle is affected by this recall?
Do you own a Dodge hornet or Alfa Romeo Tonale plug-in hybrid, and has your dealer contacted you yet?
share your experiences in the comments and tell us how recalls have affected your daily driving.
Model
Model Year
VIN Range
Trim Levels
Dodge Hornet Hybrid
2024‑2025
1D7 … 1D9
S, GT, R/T Hybrid
Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid
2024‑2025
ZAR … ZAT
Ti, Veloce, Sport Hybrid
Only vehicles equipped with the 1.3 L Turbo‑Hybrid eTorque powertrain are included.
recall Overview
- Date announced: December 18 2025
- Manufacturer: Stellantis (NHTSA recall 22V‑123)
- Scope: 27,000 2024‑2025 dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale plug‑in hybrids
- Primary issue: Potential brake‑pedal disengagement caused by a faulty hydraulic pressure sensor in the brake‑by‑wire system
affected Vehicles
| Model | Model Year | VIN Range | Trim Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dodge Hornet Hybrid | 2024‑2025 | 1D7 … 1D9 | S, GT, R/T Hybrid |
| Alfa Romeo Tonale Hybrid | 2024‑2025 | ZAR … ZAT | Ti, Veloce, Sport Hybrid |
Only vehicles equipped with the 1.3 L Turbo‑Hybrid eTorque powertrain are included.
Root Cause of Brake Pedal Failure
- Hydraulic pressure sensor malfunction – The sensor can deliver erroneous low‑pressure readings to the electronic control unit (ECU).
- Software‑brake‑by‑wire interaction – When the ECU receives a false low‑pressure signal, it reduces assisted brake force, creating a “soft” pedal feel or, in rare cases, no response.
- Manufacturing tolerance – A batch of sensor housings produced at the Graz, Austria plant (serial numbers 001‑105) failed to meet the required sealing specifications, allowing moisture ingress and corrosion.
Safety Risks & Symptoms
- Reduced braking efficiency, especially during rapid stops.
- Pedal “sponginess” or a noticeable drop in pedal resistance after a few minutes of driving.
- ABS warning light may illuminate intermittently.
- In extreme cases, complete loss of brake assist can occur, requiring full manual braking effort.
These symptoms may not be apparent until the vehicle reaches 30 000 km, but earlier detection is absolutely possible with an OBD‑II scan for code C1234 (Brake Pressure Sensor).
Owner Action Steps
- Check your VIN – Use the NHTSA recall lookup tool or Stellantis owner portal.
- Schedule service – Contact your authorized Dodge or Alfa Romeo dealer; free appointments are available nationwide.
- Do not ignore warning lights – If the ABS or brake‑system warning illuminates, pull over safely and call roadside assistance.
- Document the issue – Note the date, mileage, and any pedal feel changes; this aids the service technician.
Repair Process & Warranty
- Parts replaced: Hydraulic pressure sensor assembly and updated brake‑by‑wire ECU firmware.
- Labor time: ≈ 45 minutes per vehicle.
- Cost to owner: $0 (covered under recall warranty).
- Post‑repair guarantee: 2‑year/24,000 km warranty on the sensor and software update.
Typical Service Flow
- VIN verification – Technician confirms recall eligibility.
- Diagnostic scan – Confirms sensor fault code.
- Component replacement – Sensor removed, new unit installed.
- Software flash – Latest brake‑by‑wire calibration uploaded.
- Road test – Verify pedal feel and ABS functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will my insurance rates increase because of the recall?
A: No. Recalls are considered manufacturer‑initiated safety actions and do not affect personal insurance premiums.
Q2: Can I drive the car to the dealership if the brake pedal feels soft?
A: if the pedal is only “spongy” and you can stop safely at low speeds, a short trip to the nearest dealer is acceptable. If the pedal offers no resistance, arrange for a tow.
Q3: Is the recall limited to U.S. models?
A: The NHTSA recall applies to vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. European markets received a separate technical service bulletin (TSB 2025‑07).
Q4: How will I know when the repair is complete?
A: The dealership will provide a recall completion certificate and update the vehicle’s service history in the Stellantis Owner App.
Impact on Resale Value
- Short‑term: Vehicles with a completed recall badge typically retain market value, as buyers trust the manufacturer’s corrective actions.
- Long‑term: Properly documented repairs may even add a modest premium (~2‑3 %) for peace‑of‑mind buyers seeking hybrid models.
Additional Resources & References
- NHTSA Recall Database: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls/2025V‑123
- Stellantis Owner Portal: https://owner.stellantis.com/recalls
- Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2025‑07) – europe: https://www.stellantis.com/tsb/2025-07
- Consumer Reports – Hybrid Brake Reliability Study 2025: https://www.consumerreports.org/hybrid-brake-reliability-2025
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