Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is issuing a recall of over 60,000 Alfa Romeo vehicles worldwide over a defect that could cause the adaptive cruise control to stay engaged even when the driver taps on the brake.
The recall affects just over 60,000 2017-to-2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio models, including 1,600 here in Canada.
According to FCA, a software glitch is to blame for the problem, which can not only cause the cruise control to stay switched on when the brake pedal is tapped but even make the vehicle accelerate.
Fortunately, the system will disengage if the brake pedal is depressed for a longer period of time. FCA says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries that have resulted from the reported problem. The issue, by the way, first came to light when a company employee test drove one of the Alfa Romeo models. The company also specified that many of the affected vehicles are still at dealerships.
FCA will notify owners of affected vehicles next month, at which point appointments can be made at dealerships to fix the software.