Stellantis has issued a significant recall affecting certain Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S electric vehicles, addressing a critical safety flaw. The issue stems from a defective spring in the electric drive module that can lead to the vehicle rolling away unexpectedly, even when the gear selector is in 'Park' position. This recall, while involving a relatively small number of units, underscores the complexities and potential vulnerabilities in the production of advanced electric vehicles. It also adds to a growing list of recent recalls for Stellantis, indicating broader quality control challenges as the company navigates the transition to electric mobility. The proactive measure aims to mitigate potential risks and ensure consumer safety, reflecting the company's commitment to addressing critical defects promptly.

This latest recall serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous scrutiny and high standards required in the automotive industry, particularly with the introduction of new technologies. While automakers are rapidly innovating to meet market demands for electric vehicles, ensuring the reliability of every component is paramount. Stellantis's swift response to this particular defect demonstrates an understanding of the serious implications that even seemingly minor component failures can have on vehicle safety and brand reputation. The incident also highlights the broader industry trend of increasing recalls as manufacturers adapt to complex electric powertrains and integrate sophisticated electronic systems, necessitating continuous vigilance in design, manufacturing, and post-production quality assurance.

Understanding the Rollaway Risk and its Implications

Stellantis has announced a recall for a limited number of Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S electric vehicles due to a potential rollaway hazard. The core of the problem lies with an improperly installed 'park pawl return spring' situated within the electric drive module. If this spring fails to seat correctly, the vehicle's parking mechanism may not fully engage, leading to an unintended movement despite the driver selecting 'Park.' This defect, although affecting a small batch of vehicles manufactured between late 2024 and early 2025 (specifically 49 Chargers and 26 Wagoneer S EVs), poses a serious safety concern. The company is taking immediate action to rectify this issue, emphasizing the importance of preventing any uncontrolled vehicle movement that could lead to accidents or injuries. This recall underscores the critical role of every component, no matter how small, in ensuring overall vehicle safety and highlights the inherent challenges in scaling new automotive technologies.

The seriousness of the rollaway risk is well understood by Stellantis, particularly in light of past incidents involving similar issues that have led to tragic outcomes and damaged brand credibility. This new recall for its cutting-edge electric models is a clear indication that even the most innovative and premium vehicles are not immune to manufacturing imperfections. The company's prompt identification of the fault and initiation of the recall process demonstrate a commitment to consumer safety, aiming to prevent potential accidents before they occur. For owners, the immediate advice is to use the parking brake as an additional safety measure when leaving their vehicles, providing a temporary safeguard until the necessary repairs can be completed. This proactive approach by Stellantis is crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles maintains the highest standards of safety and reliability, especially as the brand endeavors to reshape its image in a competitive global market.

Stellantis's Proactive Response and Broader Industry Trends

Stellantis is taking swift action to address the rollaway risk in its affected Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S electric vehicles. Owners of the impacted models will be officially notified starting September 25th, outlining the steps for resolution. The remedy involves a complimentary replacement of the electric drive module at authorized dealerships, ensuring that the faulty spring mechanism is corrected without any cost to the customer. This direct and efficient solution aims to quickly eliminate the safety hazard. Until the repair can be performed, the company advises all affected owners to consistently engage the parking brake as a crucial backup measure whenever they park their vehicles. This emphasis on immediate user action, combined with the comprehensive recall plan, demonstrates Stellantis's commitment to prioritizing safety and preventing any potential incidents arising from this mechanical flaw. Such prompt and responsible action is vital for maintaining consumer confidence in emerging electric vehicle technologies.

This particular recall, though limited in scope, is part of a broader pattern of safety campaigns recently undertaken by Stellantis, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by large automakers in maintaining stringent quality control across their diverse product lines. Just in the past few weeks, the company has recalled over 219,000 Ram and Dodge vehicles for issues with backup cameras and another 121,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees due to other component failures. These cumulative recalls suggest that while Stellantis is pushing forward with ambitious electrification and design strategies, it is simultaneously grappling with a series of manufacturing and component-related teething problems. This situation is particularly critical as the company seeks to enhance its brand identity and compete with new entrants, particularly from Chinese manufacturers who are exerting pressure on design and pricing. The need for robust products and modern styling, as highlighted by the recent appointment of new European design chief Gilles Vidal, becomes even more pressing when coupled with the necessity of flawless execution in every vehicle component to secure the company's reputation and future success in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

Cadillac is offering a special September lease deal on its 2026 Escalade IQ, an all-electric full-size SUV that blends high-performance capabilities with luxurious amenities. This limited-time promotion, potentially including a substantial lease credit, aims to attract discerning customers to the electrified version of the brand's iconic model. Prospective lessees should act quickly to capitalize on these terms, which also extend to remaining 2025 models, before the associated federal tax credit for businesses leasing vehicles expires at the end of September. The Escalade IQ, distinct from its gasoline counterparts, boasts a powerful electric drivetrain, impressive range, and advanced features designed for a premium driving experience, despite its considerable weight.

The Cadillac Escalade IQ represents a significant evolution for the brand's flagship SUV, moving into the electric vehicle space. Unlike the traditional gasoline-powered Escalade, the IQ model is built on General Motors' advanced modular EV platform, shared with other high-performance electric vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV and Chevrolet Silverado EV. This foundation allows the Escalade IQ to feature a dual-motor setup, delivering a robust 750 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque. Despite its substantial curb weight of approximately 9,000 pounds, classifying it as a heavy-duty vehicle, Cadillac asserts that the Escalade IQ can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 4.7 seconds, showcasing its impressive power and engineering.

A key highlight of the Escalade IQ's offering is its substantial 200-kilowatt-hour battery pack, which is projected to provide an estimated driving range of 460 miles on a single charge. This extensive range makes it well-suited for long-distance travel, supported by high-power 350-kilowatt DC fast-charging capabilities. Cadillac indicates that these rapid chargers can add approximately 100 miles of range in just 10 minutes, although charging times will vary significantly with less powerful stations. For 2026, the Escalade IQ will also adopt the more spacious IQL body style, enhancing its passenger and cargo capacity, while retaining its core design and feature set.

The current lease incentive for the 2026 Escalade IQ, which includes a $7,500 credit, is closely tied to the federal Clean Vehicle Tax Credit available to companies. This credit is set to expire at the end of September, making the current period a potentially opportune time for interested parties to consider a lease. Cadillac is leveraging this credit by passing the savings directly to customers, circumventing the need for individuals to claim it on their taxes, and offering a workaround for vehicles that typically exceed the price cap for the individual EV tax credit. It is important for prospective lessees to verify specific terms and conditions, as lease rates and availability can vary by region and individual creditworthiness. Cadillac’s official website provides a tool for localized payment estimates based on zip code. However, recent reports suggest a slowdown in demand for the Escalade IQ, leading to production cuts by GM. This market adjustment could potentially result in further discounts as dealers aim to move inventory, implying that even more favorable terms might emerge in the near future for those observing the market.