Dodge has a history of producing safe, reliable vehicles that their customers love. However, not everything always goes as planned, and problems do arise.
So, what emission recall was made recently affecting Dodge vehicles?
In 2019, Chrysler announced it was voluntarily recalling 862,520 vehicles in the U.S., including certain model years of the Dodge Avenger, Dodge Caliber, and Dodge Journey due to deteriorating catalytic converters.
This voluntary recall involves the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) because it relates to the performance of emissions systems, which the EPA regulates under the Clean Air Act.
In this article, we’ll provide the details of this emissions recall and also note the recommended steps to take so that the issue can be repaired by a qualified professional.
Catalytic Converter Efficiency
Recall ID: U67
Chrysler has issued a voluntary recall for certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or a 2.4L engine, including some 2011-2016 Dodge Journey, 2011-2014 Dodge Avenger, and 2012 Dodge Caliber vehicles.
Not all vehicles falling within these makes and model years will be affected. Chrysler has contacted owners of vehicles that are impacted.
The problem stems from the catalytic converters, which transform engine pollutants into less-harmful tailpipe gases. On affected vehicles, they can exhibit deteriorating performance over time.
When this happens, sulfur can inhibit operation, enabling the vehicles to emit excessive nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide, contributing to air pollution.
It’s unclear exactly what caused the catalytic converters to decline in performance. However, Chrysler has cited transmission and engine calibrations as possible factors.
The recall was announced in March 2019 and implemented in phases during the 2019 calendar year due to the large number of vehicles involved. Owners of the oldest vehicles were notified first.
For those affected, Chrysler will have owners take their vehicle to a dealer. The dealer will update software for the powertrain control module as well as replace the catalytic converter. There will be no cost to owners.
The new converter will have a different mix of precious metals compared to the original. This new mixture of metals will not be as susceptible to sulfur in the fuel.
The recall came about as a result of in-use emissions investigations conducted by the EPA and in-use testing conducted by Chrysler, as required by EPA regulations.
Owners of vehicles affected by this recall were notified by Chrysler as parts became available for them to bring their vehicles in for repair. Owners who have questions about this recall may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall U67.
In addition to contacting Chrysler’s customer service, owners may wish to send their inquiry to the EPA via email at complianceinfo@epa.gov. Alternatively, owners can complete the form on the EPA’s recall website.
How Should You Handle an Emissions Recall on a Dodge Vehicle?
If you aren’t sure whether your Dodge vehicle was affected by this emissions recall, you can check your vehicle’s VIN on the Mopar recall website.
If a recall does appear, you can contact the Chrysler customer service line at 1-800-853-1403 to learn what to do and where to go.
