In order to help boost the number of vehicles being brought in for recall services, Fiat->ke30 Chrysler->ke21 Automobiles is offering various incentives to customers who participate in mandated safety recalls->ke5153.
The incentives range from a $100 prepaid Visa gift card to vehicle-repurchase plans. The focus of this program is older SUVs->ke145 and trucks ranging from the 2009 through 2012 model years.
“Remedies are available, we are servicing vehicles and we encourage affected customers to contact their dealers,” says Scott Kunselman, Senior Vice President of Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance. “It is imperative that all vehicles implicated by recalls are inspected and serviced, as required.”
The SUV-related recalls include Jeep Grand Cherokees->ke936 from 1993 through 1998 and Jeep Liberties->ke2404 from 2002 through 2007, wherein FCA will install a frame-mounted trailer hitch to protect the rear-mounted fuel tank during a rear-end collision. Owners of both Jeep->ke40 model are eligible for the $100 gift card, while Grand Cherokee owners are also offered $1,000 incentive toward purchasing a new vehicle or for parts and accessories at their FCA dealer.
FCA is also offering a similar incentive program for a wide variety of older vehicles. The list includes the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango, the Dodge Ram and Ram pickups, the Dodge Dakota, and Ram heavy-duty pickups in various configurations. (The full list is below)
Owners in both groups of vehicles must have had their recall services completed on or after July 24, 2015 to be eligible for the incentive programs. The buy-back incentive opportunity expires January 4, 2016, but FCA does not list an expiration date for receiving the prepaid gift card. You can find out if your vehicle is included in these recalls by entering your VIN at safercar.gov, MyJeepAuto.com, or recalls.mopar.com.
Continue reading for the full story.
List of recalled vehicles
-* 2009 Chrysler Aspen->ke243 and Dodge Durango->ke1368 SUVs produced from Jan. 3, 2008, through Dec. 18, 2008
-* 2009-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 1500->ke4684 pickups->ke242 produced from Feb. 27, 2008, through June 30, 2009; and from Dec. 1, 2009, through Oct. 20, 2011
-* 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota->ke1788 pickups produced from Feb. 27, 2007, through June 30, 2009; and from Dec. 1, 2009, through Sept. 30, 2011
-* 2008-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 2500 and 3500 4x4 pickups
-* 2008-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 3500 4x2 Cab Chassis vehicles
-* 2008 Dodge Ram/Ram Mega Cab 4x4 pickups
-* 2008-2012 Dodge Ram/Ram 4500 and 5500 trucks produced from Feb. 20, 2007, through December 2012
Why it matters
I’ve always thought offering an incentive to customers for getting their vehicle’s serviced for a recall would be a smart move for automakers, despite the added cost. The most obvious reason being it helps bring in higher numbers of customers, leaving fewer cars on the road with potential hazards. While this incentive program is rather extensive, especially the buy-back program, it should help FCA’s standing with the NHTSA.
It will be interesting to see how customers react when offered $100 to have their vehicles repaired free of charge.