332,000 Stellantis vehicles recalled in the United States: the black streak continues for the group

© Łukasz Nieścioruk/Unsplash

Stellantis may be heavy in its sector, it is far from being free of (major) flaws. Between the despicable 1.3 Puretech from 2019 which was literally bathing in its oil, the problems with the automatic braking system on the Peugeot 308 and Opel Astra in 2022 and the failure of the power steering system on the Fiat 500 and Fiat Panda in 2024, we cannot say that the company has had its good years recently.

This time, it’s a defect in the seat belt sensor which prevents the correct deployment of the front seat airbag which forced the manufacturer to recall 332,000 vehicles. This concerns several models from the brand across the Atlantic.

Stellantis tightens its belt

An alarming statement has come from the American road safety authority, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The administration warns: “A seat belt buckle sensor may be incorrectly connected. This prevents the front seat airbag from deploying as intended“.

This issue affects a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs and sedans of various brands. Among the models affected are the Fiat 500E and 500X from 2019 to 2023, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, manufactured between 2017 and 2024, as well as the Stelvio, produced from 2018 to 2025 and the Jeep Renegade from 2024.

Luckily, dealers will cover the necessary repairs free of charge. However, owners will have to resolve to temporarily immobilize their vehicle during the intervention.

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The group faces a storm of recalls

Currently, Stellantis is still the subject of strong criticism in France, in particular due to airbag malfunctions on the Citroën C3 and DS3 models. The recall operation is underway (“Stop drive” campaign) and concerns more than 500,000 vehicles manufactured in 2009 and 2019.

The manufacturer is clearly struggling on this one: replacing airbags is proving time-consuming, loaner vehicles are rare, and customers are not hiding their frustration. This French crisis is exacerbated by recent events across the Atlantic, further accentuating the pressure on the automobile giant.

In addition, worrying corrosion phenomena have been observed on the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, mainly manifested by traces of oxidation on the side skirts and wheel arches. At the same time, recall campaigns have been implemented for the Citroën C4 and Peugeot e-208, due to a potential risk of short-circuit affecting the battery. A more than troubled period.

A succession of technical problems which therefore continue to tarnish the brand image of Stellantis, which has already lost some of its splendor and credibility with its customers. Since its birth in 2021; merger between PSA (Peugeot, Citroën, DS) and FCA (Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Alfa Romeo); the group aligned the issues. Shortage of components during the pandemic, harmonization difficulties during restructuring, quality problems on many of its vehicles and a transition to electrification which is not yet bearing fruit. Going back up the slope will be a delicate exercise.

• Stellantis is recalling 332,000 vehicles in the United States due to a seat belt sensor defect.
• This recall concerns vehicles from the brands Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep.
• Since its merger in 2021, Stellantis has faced many difficulties.

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