Stellantis is dealing with a significant safety issue involving its electric Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S models after reports emerged of vehicles rolling away without driver input, potentially while parked and unattended.
The problem appears to be related to the electronic park lock or drivetrain hold system, which in traditional vehicles is handled by a mechanical park pawl in the transmission. In fully electric vehicles, holding the car stationary while parked often depends on software-controlled systems rather than purely mechanical engagement.
Reports from owners described returning to find their vehicles had moved from where they were parked. In some cases the movement was minor, but the potential for a vehicle to roll into traffic, strike another car, or injure a pedestrian makes any verified rollaway condition a serious safety concern requiring prompt action.
Stellantis has been notified and is investigating. NHTSA may open a formal investigation depending on the volume and nature of complaints received. If a defect is confirmed, a recall covering all affected units would be required.
The Dodge Charger Daytona and Jeep Wagoneer S represent two of Stellantis’s most prominent entries in the EV market. Both vehicles were positioned as flagship examples of the company’s electrification push, making a safety issue of this nature particularly high-profile at a sensitive moment for the brand’s EV strategy.
Owners who have observed unexpected vehicle movement while parked are encouraged to file complaints through NHTSA’s reporting system, which helps regulators assess the scope and pattern of potential defects before making enforcement decisions.
Until the issue is resolved, affected vehicle owners may want to use additional precautions such as leaving the vehicle in a flat area, using wheel chocks, or parking against a curb when on any incline.