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Fiat Chrysler recalls 467K SUVs for possible stalling

DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 467,000 Dodge and Jeep SUVs worldwide to fix a faulty fuel pump relay at the root of a potential stalling problem.

It’s the same problem that caused the recall of 189,000 other SUVs in September, bringing the total to more than 656,000. A safety advocate said the recall should be expanded even further, contending that problems affect up to 5 million Fiat Chrysler vehicles with similar parts.

The recall announced Friday covers 2012 and 2013 Dodge Durangos and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees outside North America. The Jeeps have diesel engines.

Chrysler said fuel pump relays can deform and cause the pumps to malfunction. That can cause unexpected stalling or prevent starting. The company doesn’t know of any crashes from the problem. Dealers will install a new relay circuit. The September recall affected Grand Cherokees and Durangos from 2011 that were built from Jan. 25, 2010 through July 20, 2011.

Chrysler said its investigation into the first recall found that more Durangos and Grand Cherokees could have the problem. The relays can become deformed due to several conditions including the environment and use patterns.

But the Center for Auto Safety, a nonprofit advocacy group, maintains that the recall is inadequate. It contends that a power control module used by Chrysler in millions of vehicles since 2007 can go haywire. The allegation covered pickups, minivans, Grand Cherokees, Durangos, Journeys, Jeep Wranglers and other models.

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