2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale / Dodge Hornet Coil Spring Paint Delamination

Owners of certain 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale and Dodge Hornet vehicles may notice paint peeling from their rear suspension coil springs. This issue, detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 17-001-25, can also lead to a noticeable degradation in suspension performance. The bulletin provides a comprehensive guide for dealerships to diagnose and resolve this specific concern.

This TSB, identified as 17-001-25, applies to 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale (GC) and 2023-2024 Dodge Hornet (GG) models. Specifically, it targets vehicles built on or after July 13, 2023 (MDH 0713XX) and on or before July 26, 2023 (MDH 0726XX). Affected vehicles are equipped with the 2.0L I4 DOHC DI Turbo w/ESS Engine (Sales Code EC1).

Symptoms

Owners may observe one or both of the following symptoms related to this issue:

• "Paint peels off very easily on rear suspension springs" (as shown in Fig. 1 of the original bulletin, indicating missing paint).
• "Degradation of suspension performance."

Cause

The root cause identified for these symptoms is simply "Paint falling off" the rear suspension coil springs. This delamination can expose the spring material, potentially affecting its integrity and performance over time.

Important Warnings

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 17-001-25 supersedes an earlier bulletin, TSB 17-002-24, which was issued on May 24, 2024. The current bulletin includes an additional model year and updated diagnostic information. It has also been released as Rapid Service Update (RSU) 24-088, also dated May 24, 2024.

Dealers are instructed to verify if a vehicle is applicable by checking the VIN in VIP or performing a VIN search in DealerCONNECT/Service Library. Even if a vehicle's VIN is not on the RSU list, but it exhibits the described symptoms, the repair procedure should still be performed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary repair for the Alfa Romeo Tonale coil spring paint delamination involves replacing both rear suspension springs. Technicians are directed to follow detailed service procedures available in DealerCONNECT under the 'Service Library' section, specifically within '17 - Rear Suspension / Strut, Rear / Disassembly and Assembly'. This ensures proper installation and alignment.

Required Tools or Parts

To complete the repair, specific parts and a special tool are required:

• Parts:
  • 2x Spring, Suspension Rear (Part No. 68632844AA)
  • 6x Bolt, Torx Head (Part No. K06511501AA)
  • 2x Nut, Hex Flange Lock (Part No. K06511458AA)
  • 2x Rear strut to rear knuckle bolts (Part No. 68254480AA)
  • 2x Rear strut to rear knuckle nuts (Part No. 06511458AA)
  • 1x Upper rear stabilizer bar nuts (Part No. 68631072AA)
• Special Tools/Equipment:
  • Spring Compressor (Ref. No. 1874555001)

Owner Action

If you own a 2023-2024 Alfa Romeo Tonale or Dodge Hornet and notice paint peeling from your rear suspension springs or experience a degradation in suspension performance, it is recommended to contact your authorized dealership. The repair for this Alfa Romeo Tonale coil spring paint delamination issue is reimbursable under the provisions of the vehicle's warranty.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11012381