DETROIT (AP) — Chrysler is recalling about 15,000 newDodge Dart compact cars worldwide because the
engines can stall in coldweather.The recall affects 2013 model year cars with 1.4-liter four-cylinder
engines and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.Thecompany found the problem itself while testing a Dart
that had beenparked for eight hours in a room at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. After beingpulled out of the room,
the car stalled moments after it was started,according to a statement from Chrysler, which owns the Dodge
brand.Afterthe incident, the company checked with dealers and found that somecustomers had a similar
experience with the car. Further investigationtraced the problem to the computer that controls the engine
andtransmission.Canadian safety regulators say the problem couldcause a loss of power, increasing the risk
of crash, injury or propertydamage. But Chrysler says it doesn’t know of any crashes or injuriestied to the
problem.Dealers will recalibrate the computer at no cost to customers.Mostof the affected Darts, about
12,900, are in the United States, withabout 1,900 in Canada. Five are in Mexico and the rest are outside
ofNorth America, Chrysler says.The Dart, the first car totally madewith Chrysler Group LLC collaborating
with its Italian owner, Fiat SpA,is important to the company’s future because it plans to team up onmore
vehicles, engines and transmissions. Chrysler sold more than 31,000Darts through April, but not all have the
problem engine andtransmission combination.Last week Chrysler refused a governmentrequest to recall 2.7
million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and LibertySUVs. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
assertsthat the cars are at risk of a fuel tank fire. Chrysler says thevehicles are safe.The Dart recall is
Chrysler’s third since the refusal. The company says it will recall vehicles when they are
defective.Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.