A new safety recall has been issued for two popular all-electric vehicles from Stellantis: the 2024–2025 Dodge Charger Daytona and the 2024–2025 Jeep Wagoneer S. Owners of these vehicles are being warned about a potential issue that could allow their cars to roll away unexpectedly, even when shifted into “Park.”
What’s the Problem?
The recall centers around a part called the parking pawl. This is a small but powerful metal component that locks the vehicle’s gearbox when you place the shifter into “Park.” It’s designed to hold the vehicle securely in place, preventing it from moving, even on a slope.
While many drivers assume electric vehicles (EVs) don’t have transmissions, that isn’t entirely true. Instead of traditional multi-gear transmissions, EVs use a simple reduction gearbox that lowers the speed of the fast-spinning electric motor. Just like in a gas-powered car, this gearbox has a mechanical lock, the parking pawl, that prevents unwanted movement.
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In the case of the Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S, Stellantis found that the return spring connected to the parking pawl may be misaligned. This problem can cause the pawl to fail to lock the gearbox correctly. As a result, the vehicle may roll away right after the driver releases the brake pedal, even if the gear is set to “Park.”
Why This Matters
Imagine parking your EV on a driveway or hill. You put the car in “P,” take your foot off the brake, and start to get out, only for the vehicle to slowly start moving on its own. This is the exact safety risk that has triggered the recall.
The issue has been confirmed during a 10-percent grade compliance test, which simulates parking on an incline. If the pawl does not fully engage, the vehicle may not hold its position, creating the possibility of property damage, injury, or worse.
Built-In Safety Measures Help, But Not Enough
Thankfully, both the Charger Daytona and Wagoneer S are equipped with modern safety features such as an automatic parking brake. This system applies the parking brake when the driver puts the vehicle into “Park.” However, the recall issue arises when the parking brake is released. If the pawl has not engaged correctly, the vehicle may begin to roll once the driver takes their foot off the service brake.
This means that while the automatic brake feature offers some protection, drivers still need to take extra caution until their vehicles are repaired. More photos
Stellantis’ Fix for the Problem
Stellantis has announced that the fix will involve replacing the entire electric drive module. Dealerships are expected to begin repairs by late September 2025, with official recall notices going out to affected owners by September 11, 2025.
The repair will be completely free of charge to owners, as it falls under the recall program.
What Should Owners Do Now?
If you own a 2024 or 2025 Dodge Charger Daytona or Jeep Wagoneer S, here’s what you should do until the recall repair is completed:
- Always use your parking brake when stopping the vehicle, even on flat surfaces.
- Keep your foot on the service brake (the pedal you normally press to stop) until you are confident the parking brake has engaged.
- Wait for your recall notice from Stellantis or check with your local Dodge or Jeep dealership for updates.
- Schedule the free repair as soon as parts become available.
Final Thoughts
Recalls can be frustrating, especially for owners of brand-new vehicles. However, they are an important part of keeping drivers and the public safe. The parking pawl issue may sound minor, but the risk of a heavy EV rolling away on its own is serious.
Stellantis is moving quickly to address the problem, and by the end of September, affected owners should be able to get the repair completed at no cost. Until then, caution and proper use of the parking brake are the best ways to stay safe.
Why are the Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S being recalled?
These vehicles are being recalled because of a problem with the parking pawl, a part that locks the car in place when you put it in “Park.” If the pawl doesn’t engage correctly, the vehicle could roll away after you take your foot off the brake.
FAQs
Can an electric car roll away even if it’s in Park?
Yes. Even though electric cars don’t have a traditional transmission, they still use a reduction gearbox. This gearbox needs a parking pawl to keep the car from moving. If that part fails, the car can roll, even when it shows “P” on the shifter.
What is the parking pawl, and why does it matter?
The parking pawl is a small but very strong steel piece inside the gearbox. Its job is to lock the gears in place when you park your car. Without it working properly, the only thing holding the car still is the parking brake.
How serious is this recall problem?
It’s serious because the car may start rolling unexpectedly. This could cause accidents, property damage, or injuries. The issue shows up most often when the driver releases the service brake or the parking brake.
Do these cars have safety features to stop rollaways?
Yes. Both models have an automatic parking brake that turns on when you shift into “Park.” But if you release that brake before the pawl engages, the car can still move. That’s why Stellantis is recalling and repairing the vehicles.
How will Dodge and Jeep fix the recall issue?
The fix is to replace the entire electric drive module. Dealers will do this at no cost to the owner. Stellantis states that the repair parts will be ready by late September 2025, and owners should begin receiving recall notices by September 11, 2025.
What should I do if I currently own one of these vehicles?
Until the repair is done, you should:
Always use your parking brake when stopping.
Keep your foot on the service brake until you’re sure the parking brake is holding.
Watch for the official recall notice in the mail or contact your local dealership to check your VIN number.VIN
Is it safe to keep driving my Charger Daytona or Wagoneer S before the fix?
Yes, you can still drive it. The issue happens mainly when parking, not while driving. Just be extra careful when stopping and always use the parking brake until the recall repair is completed.
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