NEWS:   Chrysler recalls 11,351 vehicles to fix steering

YAHOO NEWS -- June 17,  2011 – Chrysler Group LLC is recalling 11,351 cars, minivans and other models because a manufacturing problem can cause the steering to fail.

Chrysler told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it doesn't know of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem. The recall affects 11 of the 20 models Chrysler has on sale for the 2011 model year.

NHTSA said on its website Thursday that a missing or incorrectly installed rivet could cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recalled vehicles include the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan and convertible and Town and Country minivan; the Dodge Avenger midsize sedan, Caliber compact car, Caravan minivan, Journey crossover vehicle and Nitro SUV; and the Jeep Compass wagon and Patriot, Liberty and Wrangler SUVs.

The vehicles were built from mid-April to the middle of May.

Dealers will check to make sure the rivet was installed correctly and make repairs free of charge. The company plans to begin notifying dealers and owners in July, according to the documents.

Chrysler began investigating after it discovered that a steering column rivet was missing in some of the vehicles. The company inspected 14,000 steering columns and found seven with missing or misaligned rivets.

The problem was traced to the improper identification of rejected components by new employees on one shift at a factory near Toledo, Ohio, according to documents filed with NHTSA.

There are no known customer complaints about the problem, the documents said.

MORE RECALL INFO:   

• Chrysler 200
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Dodge Avenger
• Dodge Caliber
• Dodge Caravan
• Dodge Journey
• Dodge Nitro
• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Patriot
• Jeep Liberty
• Jeep Wrangler

NEWS:   U.S. probes reports of Nissan, Chrysler, GM defects

YAHOO NEWS -- May 4, 2011 – U.S. safety regulators have opened preliminary investigations into consumer complaints about vehicles made by Nissan Motor Co Ltd, Chrysler LLC and General Motors Co that could affect more than 700,000 cars.

A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said its probe into an estimated 440,000 Nissan Altima cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years concerned a possible leak in the brake master cylinder that could reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.

NHTSA said it had received 20 complaints from Altima drivers. Of these, two alleged a reduction in brake effectiveness while 18 reported only illumination of the brake warning light.

The agency said it was also investigating Chrysler's Jeep Wrangler from the 2007 and 2008 model years, potentially affecting 222,500 vehicles, over airbag light illumination indicating an airbag clockspring failure.

A clockspring is a coil under the steering wheel that maintains an electrical connection to the airbag on the driver's side. A broken circuit can mean the airbag will not inflate.

NHTSA said it had received 29 consumer complaints from Jeep drivers. Of these, 23 identified the clockspring wiring assembly as the source of the issue, while the other six only said the airbag light had been illuminated.

Of 14 owners contacted, six said they owned right-hand-drive versions typically used by postal carriers.

A third probe involves GM's 2007 Saturn Aura, potentially affecting 65,105 cars, over a transmission shift cable that could fail, causing the park gear not to fully engage.

The agency said it had received eight complaints alleging that the transmission shift cable had failed, causing the vehicle to roll away, move or accelerate with the shifter in park, or to accelerate in the opposite direction than the driver intended.

NHTSA did not disclose any crashes or injuries in connection with any of the reported problems.

Spokesmen for the three companies said the carmakers were cooperating fully with the investigations

MORE RECALL INFO: 

• 2007-2008:  Nissan Altima
• 2007-2008:  Jeep Wrangler
• 2007:  Saturn Aura

MARCH 2011 -- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufacturer from July 12, 2010, through September 10, 2010. Some vehicles may experience a degradation of fastener torque for various front and rear axle attachments to the chassis module. This could result in noise, or ultimately, degradation in steering and handling characteristics which could lead to loss of directional control of the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will re-torque all nineteen fasteners to the maximum residual torque values. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on March 24, 2011. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. 11V-145

NEWS:   Chrysler recalls 2010-11 Jeep Wranglers for steering issue

DETROIT NEWS -- March 5,  2011 – Chrysler Group LLC said Saturday it is recalling more than 20,000 2010-2011 Jeep Wranglers over potential steering problems.

The recall covers 20,459 vehicles built from July 2010 to September 2010 because fasteners for the front and rear axle attachments may not attach properly.

That can lead to increased noise or a reduction in steering and handling, which in a worst case scenario could lead to loss of control and a crash.

Chrysler dealers will inspect and ensure all 19 fasteners are properly attached.

Chrysler said the cause of the defect was a change by its axle supplier Dana Corp. from an automated water-based paint to a manually applied solvent paint at its Toledo plant last summer.

The issue was attributed to variations in paint thickness, which was made worse by drips and runs, Chrysler told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chrysler said it has received 65 warranty claims for a clunk or rattle in the front or rear suspension, but no reports of crashes or injuries.

Chrysler plans to notify owners later this month.

Last month, Chrysler addressed a separate issue with other Jeep Wranglers.

Chrysler agreed to a lifetime warranty program to address the accidental fuel spillage issue in 135,000 2007-08 Jeep Wrangler vehicles built from March 2007 to March 2008. Dealers will inspect and repair the inlet check valve, if necessary.

NHTSA ended an investigation into 220,000 Wranglers, saying a recall was not warranted over the fuel spill issue.

MORE RECALL INFO:   Jeep Wrangler

JUNE 2010 -- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 Jeep Wrangler left and right hand drive passenger vehicles manufactured from May 15, 2006 through April 22, 2010. There may be contact between the right and left front inner fender liners and the right front and left rear brake tubes which could cause wear of the tubes causing a brake fluid leak. A brake fluid leak can cause partial loss of service brakes at the affected wheel increasing the risk of a crash. Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during July 2010.  Chrysler's recall campaign number is K13. 10V-236

NEWS:   Chrysler recalling Dodge, Jeep SUVs

YAHOO NEWS -- July 9, 2010 – The government says Chrysler is recalling about 22,000 sport utility vehicles and trucks to fix brake tubes that could lead to the loss of brake fluid.

Chrysler says its recall affects certain 2010 Dodge Nitro, Dodge Ram, Jeep Liberty and Jeep Wranglers that could have defective brake tubes. The problem could lead to the loss of brake fluid, making it difficult to brake and posing the threat of a crash.

Chrysler says owners should be notified in August.

MORE RECALL INFO:

• Dodge Nitro
• Dodge Ram Trucks
• Jeep Liberty
• Jeep Wrangler

NEWS:    Chrysler to recall about 600,000 Jeeps, minivans

YAHOO NEWS – June 7, 2010 – Chrysler Group LLC is recalling nearly 600,000 minivans and Jeep Wranglers because of brake or wiring problems that could become safety issues, the company and federal regulators said Monday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website the automaker is recalling 288,968 Jeep Wranglers from the 2006 through 2010 model years due to a potential brake fluid leak.

It also is recalling 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from the 2008 and 2009 model years because a wiring problem can cause a fire inside the sliding doors.

Neither problem has caused any crashes or injuries, Chrysler said in a statement.

On the Jeeps, the front inner fender liners can rub against the brake fluid tubes and cause a leak. NHTSA says the leak could result in partial loss of brakes.

The minivans can have improperly placed wires that can come in contact with sliding door hinges, and the hinges can wear through the insulation and in rare cases cause a fire inside the door, Chrysler and NHTSA said.

Chrysler will notify owners and dealers about the repairs, which will be made free of charge. The recall is expected to start later this month.

The Wranglers affected by the recall were made from May 15, 2006 through Aug. 9, 2010, according to NHTSA. The minivans were made from February 2007 through September 2007.

MORE RECALL INFO:

• Jeep Wrangler
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Chrysler Town & Country

NOVEMBER 2009 -- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufacture from June 2006 through July 2008, equipped with automatic transmissions. These vehicles were not equipped with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. Fluid could boil over and may come into contact with a hot engine or exhaust component and cause a fire. Dealers will inspect and install a "HOTOIL" message in the instrument cluster and a chime indicating an elevated transmission fluid condition. The recall is expected to begin during December 2009. 09V-436

APRIL 2009 --  Chrysler is recalling 4,336 MY 2009 Dodge Journey, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander and Wrangler  vehicles. Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag may not deploy as intended. In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag may not properly inflate and may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries. Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. 09V-118

MAY 2008 - Chrysler is recalling 1,585 MY 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, right hand drive only. Some vehicles may have insufficient clearance between the steering intermediate shaft and rear brake tubes. Prolonged brake tube contact could wear a hole in the tube and cause a partial brake system loss. This could cause a crash without warning. Dealers will install a revised brake tube clip to retain the tubes, inspect the brake tubes for damage due to potential contact with the steering intermediate shaft, and replace the brake tubes if necessary. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. 08V-202

SEPTEMBER 2007 -- DaimlerChrysler is recalling 296,550 MY 2007 Dodge Nitro, Jeep Wrangler, and MY 2006-2007 Grand Cherokee and Commander sport utility vehicles. The software programmed into the ABS electronic control module may allow a momentary delay in braking when coasting up a hill during certain conditions. This could cause a crash without warning. Dealers will reprogram the ABS electronic control module with new software that prevents this condition. The recall is expected to begin during October 2007. 07V-434

NEWS:  Chrysler recalls 369,000 vehicles for problems

DETROIT (Yahoo-Reuters) - Automaker Chrysler LLC said on Friday it is recalling almost 369,000 vehicles for problems with brake systems and door latches and locks.

Chrysler, ... said it is recalling 296,550 sport utility vehicles for the brake-related problem.

The vehicles affected include Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander SUVs for the 2006 and 2007 model years and the 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro.

Chrysler said a glitch in an electronic control unit could cause a delay in braking when the vehicles are driving uphill. The automaker has had about 20 reports of such problems, ......

It's a very rare occurrence," ......."But we have had reports of drivers experiencing problems when they take their foot off the accelerator."

When drivers in one of the affected vehicles stop accelerating up a hill, that can trigger a momentary loss of braking power for a second or two,....

The automaker said it was aware of one accident that could have been caused by the problem.
Owners of the SUVs affected by the recall will be notified this month and repair work will be done at no charge, Chrysler said.

The automaker,..... also said it is recalling about 72,333 2008 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans because of a potential problem with a cable connected to the front door latches in the vehicles.

NEWS:   Chrysler recalls more than 80,000 Wranglers and Nitros

WASHINGTON (AP) — Chrysler said Tuesday it was recalling more than 80,000 new Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro models in the USA to correct a defect that could cause the engine stall.

Chrysler Group, a unit of DaimlerChrysler, said the recall would allow dealers to reprogram a power module to remove the potential for a brief interruption of electrical power to the instrument panel and the engine.

The automaker said the power interruption could lead to a short engine stall, but said the engine would immediately restart if the vehicle was in motion.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into the Wrangler in May after receiving reports of engine stalling. Chrysler said the agency has received about 180 complaints of engine stalling in Wrangler and Nitro vehicles.

There has been one accident linked to the issue, the company said, but no injuries have been reported.

NEWS:   Report: NHTSA to probe Jeep Wrangler stalls

(Detroit News) June 5, 2007 -- DaimlerChrysler AG's 2007 Jeep Wrangler sport utility vehicles are being investigated by a U.S. safety agency after reports of engine stalling at highway speeds, Bloomberg News reported today.

The probe may affect 35,000 vehicles, including two- and four-door models in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said today on its Web site. The agency said 53 complaints mostly involved highway speeds and included 12 cases with a loss of electrical power and lighting.

NEWS:   Chrysler Recalls 62,400 Vehicles For Faulty ABS, Traction Control

December 26, 2006
Chrysler is recalling 62,400 2007 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles because the braking system may fail to work.

The recall includes 62,369 model-year 2007 Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger and Dodge Caliber vehicles to re-program the system Electronic Control Unit.

In recalled vehicles, instrument panel warning lamps may illuminate and be followed by loss of the anti-lock brake system, traction control and speedometer functions.

While the problem could result in a loss of control, no accidents or injuries have been reported.

Owners will be notified in February 2007. Consumers who experience the faulty warning lamp illumination should take their vehicle to a certified dealer for inspection.