Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling certain 2013 through 2015 model-year Fiat 500e electric cars to address a glitch in the affected vehicles' control units.
The units may set an unwarranted diagnostic trouble code that could cause the transmission to shift into neutral.
That's obviously not an ideal occurrence while driving.
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The 3,851 cars affected were built between March 8, 2013 and March 7, 2015.
FCA only sells the 500e in California and Oregon. It was developed as a "compliance car" to satisfy California's zero-emission vehicle mandate.
The company does not separate monthly 500e sales from the rest of the 500 range, so tracking sales is difficult.
2015 Fiat 500e
This is the second 500e recall this year relating to a software issue in the powertrain control unit.
Back in April, FCA recalled 5,600 earlier cars, built between March 2012 and November of last year.
ALSO SEE: 2013-2014 Fiat 500e Electric Cars Recalled For Possible Coolant Leak (Jul 2014)
This was due to a glitch introduced during a software update that could have caused cars to unexpectedly shut down if not addressed.
There have been two other major recalls for the 500e in addition to the two recent software-related cases.
2014 Fiat 500e - Driven, July 2014 (NWAPA Drive Revolution)
Fiat Studios authorized to service the electric 500e will reprogram the control unit free of charge.
MORE: 2013 Fiat 500e Recalled Over Potential Half-Shaft Failures (Aug 2013)
The recall is expected to begin July 5, at which time owners will be able to make appointments with their dealers to have work done.
Owners can contact FCA customers service at 1-(800)-853-1403, and reference recall number R20.
In addition, recall information can be found at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Safercar.gov website under ID number 15V291000.
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