DETROIT — Chrysler is recalling about 15,000 new Dodge Dart compact cars because the engines can stall in cold weather.
The recall affects 2013 model year cars with 1.4-liter four-cylinder engines and dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
The company found the problem itself while testing a Dart that had been parked for eight hours in a room at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. After being pulled out of the room, the car stalled moments after it was started, according to Chrysler, which owns the Dodge brand.
The company checked with dealers and found that some customers had a similar experience with the car. Further investigation traced the problem to the computer that controls the engine and transmission.
Canadian regulators say the problem could cause a loss of power, increasing the risk of crash, injury, or property damage. Chrysler says it does not know of any crashes or injuries tied to the problem.
Dealers will recalibrate the computer at no cost to customers.
Most of the affected Darts, about 12,900, are in the United States, with about 1,900 in Canada.
The Dart, the first car totally made with Chrysler Group LLC collaborating with its Italian owner, Fiat SpA, is important to the company’s future because it plans to team up on more vehicles, engines, and transmissions. Chrysler sold more than 31,000 Darts through April.
Last week, Chrysler refused a government request to recall 2.7 million older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the cars are at risk of a fuel tank fire. Chrysler says the vehicles are safe.