Dodge Durangos Recalled for Faulty Spoilers

Dodge is recalling nearly 140,000 Durango sport utility vehicles over a strange but potentially hazardous defect.

The SUVs’ rear spoilers could become unattached and fly off of the vehicles in traffic, Dodge recently told federal regulators. The flying spoilers pose a safety threat because they could strike other vehicles or land on the road, creating a hazard. 

“An over-flush rear spoiler may become damaged when cycling the liftgate which may result in the spoiler becoming partially detached from the vehicle,” the company said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Rear spoilers that become partially detached may separate from the vehicle while driving, potentially creating a road hazard to operators and occupants of other vehicles, and can cause such vehicles to crash without prior warning,” Dodge added.

The recall covers certain Durango SUVs from model years 2021 through 2023, which were manufactured between Oct. 24, 2020, and Feb. 16, 2023.

Dodge told NHTSA it plans to start contacting owners of recalled vehicles by mid-April. It will ask owners to bring their SUVs to local dealers for inspection and possible spoiler replacement.

This is not Dodge’s first rodeo when it comes to calling back vehicles over defects that pose serious safety risks.

Earlier this year, for instance, NHTSA warned owners of older Dodge vehicles that had been recalled over exploding airbags to stop driving the cars until they are repaired. Last year, the company called back some 370,000 Durango SUVs and Ram pickup trucks over faulty warning lights, which it blamed on a software glitch.

California Lemon Law Rights for Dodge Owners

Sadly, GM and other car manufacturers recall millions of vehicles every year, citing a broad variety of defects that increase the risk of accidents and injuries. The recalls are often announced long after the cars have left factories and dealership lots, sold to completely unsuspecting buyers.

There is some good news for car owners and lessors in the Golden State.

The California lemon law requires automakers to perform a full slate of repairs on vehicles that are under warranty. The law also requires the companies to buy back or replace cars that they cannot or flat out refuse to fix. That includes covering the car’s purchase price, along with financing fees, rental car costs and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replacement requirement kicks in. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Speak with a Lemon Law Attorney

If you are locked in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, an Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. 

We have successfully assisted car owners across the state. Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a lawyer at our firm today.