Fiat recalls 863,000 vehicles that violate US emissions standards

Bloomberg

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV recalled almost 863,000 vehicles that violate US emissions standards, another setback for a company that just agreed in a separate case to make amends for building trucks and SUVs that polluted more than legally allowed.
The voluntary recall of 2011 through 2016 model year Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler brand vehicles will be implemented in phases throughout the year, the US Environmental Protection Agency said. The automaker won’t be fined or face allegations of wrongdoing. The cost of the callback was accounted for last year, according to the company.
The recall of gasoline-powered models was prompted by a so-called in-use investigation by EPA as well as testing done by Fiat Chrysler as required by agency rules, the agency said. The EPA routinely tests the emissions of vehicles driven by consumers to ensure that tailpipe emissions remain within legal limits over time. “EPA will continue to investigate other FCA vehicles which are potentially non-compliant and may become the subject of future recalls,” it said in its statement. Fiat Chrysler shares fell as much as 2.1 percent and closed down 0.9 percent to $14.36 in New York trading.
Fiat Chrysler will replace the catalytic converter and update the emissions-calibration software on affected vehicles, and the changes won’t affect fuel economy or performance, said Mark Chernoby, the company’s chief technical compliance officer. He declined to comment on whether any other models were under EPA review. The company’s internal tests showed the excess emissions, and it decided to recall the vehicles last year, he said.
The California Air Resources Board also was part of the investigation that led to the recall, and roughly 50,000 affected vehicles are in the state, according to the state’s clean-regulator.