Car News

Alternator Fire Hazard Prompts FCA Recall of Heavy Duty Pickups, Police Chargers

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has recalled more than 10,000 heavy duty pickup trucks and police duty Charger sedans to replace alternators that could catch fire.

These vehicles all use a 220-amp alternator built to handle the tough job of providing enough juice to run their complex electrical systems. According to Transport Canada, if these alternators have to work hard for an extended period of time -- especially in hot weather -- they can develop a short circuit that could cause a fire in the engine compartment. That condition would also possibly lead to the engine stalling; one of the many problematic aspects of fire.

FCA is asking its dealers to replace the alternators in these vehicles, which were sold between 2007 and 2014.