While the numbers to be recalled are small - only 340 units have been affected by the problem combined across the two models - and the fault appears to one of human error, Fiat North America will have to absorb perception issues.

According to a statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles were built using a batch of contaminated brake fluid, and the knock on result is potential damage to seals in the braking system and an increased risk of a crash. "Some vehicles were assembled with contaminated brake fluid and may experience a degradation of the sealing components within the brake system," the NHTSA wrote in its summary of the problem, and it said the consequence is that: "This could lead to a loss of braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash."

The 340 vehicles subjected to the recall, mixed up between the Fiat 500 and the Dodge Journey/Fiat Freemont, were built at the Toluca plant and assembled between October 24-26. Chrysler Group began an investigation into the issue on October 26, although it has taken more than a month to announce the recall, implying the perceived likelihood of a resulting crash is low. The recall will get underway in December and Chrysler says that it "will notify owners and replace all brake components that come into contact with hydraulic brake fluid." It adds: "This service will be performed free of charge."

Chrysler said that its investigation had revealled that one drum was filled with a red-coloured fluid that it "suspected" was power steering fluid. As a result the brake evac and fill machines at the Toluca plant were completely disassembled and all the nylon and rubber components replaced, as well as the internal tanks. All other components associated with the machines were washed and dried.