Fiat recalling more than 18,000 2014 Fiat 500L cars

DETROIT – Chrysler Group is recalling 18,092 Fiat 500L cars in the U.S. because the transmission shifter can be delayed or stop working.

Fiat 500Ls from the 2014 model year are affected. The cars were made between April 5, 2013, and Jan. 22, 2014, at the company’s plant in Serbia.

According to documents posted Saturday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cold temperatures can affect signals sent between the car’s main computer and the gear shifter. If that happens, the shifter may not shift out of park or the response may be delayed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Chrysler says no accidents or injuries related to the defect have been reported.

Fiat dealers will replace the shifter module and update the software starting next month. The company will notify owners.