American automotive giant Stellantis recalls more than 200,000 vehicles over major stability concerns

Car manufacturer Stellantis is recalling more than 200,000 SUVs and pickup trucks due to a software malfunction that may cause a vehicle's electronic stability control systems to fail.

The company is claiming the problem is caused by a defective anti-lock braking system, which is sometimes deactivating the stability control system.

The impacted models are the 2022 Dodge Durango, and the 2022 Ram 2500 and 3500.

The Ram 2500 is the model with by far the most vehicles impacted. Nearly 158,000 of the 2500 pickups will be recalled, while just over 500 Ram 3500s are affected.

Around 53,000 Durangos will be recalled. 

The recall will impact more than 200,000 SUVs and pickups, whose owners will be notified next month

The system is an essential safety feature of the cars that, in emergency situations, can prevent the loss of steering capabilities if and when the driver loses control of the vehicle - as might be the case on flooded roads or in wintery conditions.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned last week that driving a car with a disabled or otherwise dysfunctional stability system could boost the chances of a collision.

According to a number of studies, electronic stability control systems, when working properly, reduce fatal crashes - especially single-car wrecks and rollover crashes.

For more than a decade, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has required all newly produced passenger vehicles to include an electronic stability system. 

Customers will be able to bring their cars to dealers and have their vehicle's anti-lock braking system updated at no cost

The manufacturer said it will start notifying affected owners toward the end of next month.

Customers will be able to bring their cars to dealers and have their vehicle's anti-lock braking system updated at no cost.  

News of the recall arrives just days after the automotive giant announced a separate preventative recall of vehicles with potentially faulty airbags in some of its Citroen and DS models, in addition to the Opel brand.

About 30,000 Opel vehicles with Takata airbags are affected, as are 500,000 Citroen and DS cars operating in two-dozen countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

News of the recall arrives just days after Stellantis announced a separate preventative recall of vehicles with potentially faulty airbags in some of its Citroen and DS models

Chemicals in the airbags can deteriorate when exposed to hot and humid weather conditions, therefore presenting a safety risk when deployed.

According to a Stellantis spokesperson, the company 'is working closely with (the authorities investigating accidents) to provide all the information required' but 'is not in a position to comment on cases'.

Japan's Takata, which was at one time among the world's leading airbag suppliers, filed for bankruptcy in 2017 following massive recalls of its products.

In the years since, some 100 million of its products have been recalled, including millions in the US.