A ninth recall is now affecting the Dodge Hornet and its Italian twin, the Alfa Romeo Tonale. This time, the issue is straightforward but serious: the brake pedal can break.
- The problem affects both the Dodge Hornet and the Alfa Romeo Tonale equipped with the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- A total of 1,068 vehicles are impacted in Canada, compared to nearly 6,000 units in the United States.
- The proposed remedy involves reinforcing the brake pedal.
Issues continue to pile up
Troubles continue to mount for the Dodge Hornet and Alfa Romeo Tonale. While the Italian-designed twins are already facing uncertainty in the United States due to tariff-related pressures, they are now hit with a ninth recall. This time, the root cause is a significant design flaw. Hornet models built between February 2023 and December 2023, as well as Tonale models built between February 2023 and February 2024 and equipped with the plug-in hybrid system, are affected.
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One known accident
In the United States, one accident has so far been officially linked to the brake pedal defect. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Stellantis is not overcomplicating the solution, openly acknowledging that this is an in-house design issue. Dealers will therefore be instructed to reinforce the brake pedal arm using a bolt-and-nut assembly, a relatively simple intervention.
Second recall for the same issue
What is particularly concerning is that this is the second recall addressing the same problem. In the meantime, as with the original recall, drivers are advised to rely on the Electronic Park Brake (EPB) if the main brake pedal fails. According to the recall notice, the EPB button located on the lower portion of the centre console “can be pulled up and held while driving to slow the vehicle to a controlled stop.”
Stellantis also states that the Automatic Emergency Braking system, if still active, will automatically engage in the event of an imminent collision risk, even if the brake pedal collapses.
Here is the official recall number 2025-674 made by Transport Canada :
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake pedal could fail while braking. If this happens, you would not be able to apply the brakes.
Note: This is an expansion of Transport Canada recall no. 2024-589.
Safety Risk: A loss of brakes can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions: FCA Canada (Stellantis) will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to reinforce the brake pedal arm.
