Here's How FCA is Going to Fix Its Recall Mess

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has released details on a buyback and incentive program that affects over 1 million owners for whom safety recall fixes weren’t immediately available.

The program is part of an agreement to settle the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) investigation into FCA violating U.S. auto safety laws, which also included a $105 million fine and large protocol changes at the automaker.

“Remedies are available, we are servicing vehicles and we encourage affected customers to contact their dealers,” says Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President – Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance. “It is imperative that all vehicles implicated by recalls are inspected and serviced, as required.”

SEE ALSO: Fiat Chrysler Hit with Fine by NHTSA

Nearly 200,000 owners of certain 2008 to 2012 pickup trucks and SUVs are eligible to have Chrysler buy-back their vehicle. The company is offering a “good” market value plus 10 percent for anyone who goes this route. If the owner chooses to trade it in for a new FCA vehicle, they will get an additional $2,000 incentive on Ram brand vehicles and $1,000 on Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. These trade in offers are available until January 4, 2016.

These owners can also choose to have their vehicles fixed free of charge, after which they will receive a $100 pre-paid Visa.

Owners of the 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty SUVs are also included in the program. They can choose to either have the work completed and receive a $100 pre-paid Visa, or, Grand Cherokee owners can trade in their Jeep and receive a $1,000 incentive off a new vehicle or a $1,000 pre-paid Visa. Liberty owners are not eligible for the incentive.

Affected owners can visit recalls.mopar.com to find out if their vehicle is affected by using the VIN search tool. If the recall status is “open,” the vehicle has not been fixed and is therefore eligible for the program.