Nearly one million vehicles recalled, of which 848,000 only in the United States. This is what Stellantis has ordered, explaining that the problem is linked to the radio software installed in the vehicles, which could interfere with the operation of the rearview camera, preventing it from activating when reversing. The defect affects Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models from the 2026 and 2027 model years. The operation has come at a high cost to the group, which saw its shares hit an all-time low of €4.38. Since the beginning of the year, Stellantis shares have fallen by 54%, and production, especially domestic production, has plummeted.
Although the group has stated it is not aware of any injuries or accidents, the malfunctioning of rearview cameras is a significant issue in the United States. Here, such devices are mandatory on all vehicles starting from 2018, due to the high number of deaths of people (one-third of whom are children under five years old) hit by cars performing reversing maneuvers. The problem, in this case, will be resolved by downloading a software update for the vehicles, which can be done directly by the owners. Nevertheless, the impact on the stock was over 4%, without any rebound that often follows such a drop. The monthly loss is therefore at -12%, while the annual loss is 54%. In addition to this, this is only the latest in a series of recalls carried out by the company: in 2024, over one million vehicles from the same brands were recalled for similar software interference issues with the rearview camera, while, in early June 2026, the group had recalled over 1.3 million Jeep vehicles worldwide due to fire risk.
What happened thus represents yet another stumble for the group, which continues to register difficulties in both the European and U.S. markets. For the current year, no dividends or bonuses for workers are expected, while in Italy the specter of delocalization looms, affecting Pomigliano, Mirafiori, and Cassino. Here, workers employed in the stamping, painting, and assembly departments remain at home until August 31, although initially the forecasts were for a closure limited to the period between the 3rd and 16th of the month. A decision that follows a closure of production lines already in July, recording minimum volumes and an increasing use of social safety nets, which have ended up eroding workers’ wages. In September, the outlook does not appear rosier, with a restart dependent on the multinational’s industrial programs, which are also shrouded in doubt and the specter of delocalization.
[L’Indipendente, August 19, 2026]