Consumer Reports’ 2011 annual car reliability survey, seems to mimic JD Power & Associates annual automobile quality study, by reporting that the overall quality of 2011 vehicles has dropped. Ford, suffering the biggest drop, went from 5th to 23th spot, the biggest drop for any major automaker in Consumer Reports’ 2011 Annual Auto Survey. According to the report, the new Ford Explorer, Fiesta, and Focus all had below average reliability, but the problems were attributed to new technologies like the new MyFord Touch infotainment system and the new automated manual transmission. Chrysler had better results with its new Chrysler 200 (formerly Sebring) sedan, the redesigned Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Of the 91 Japanese models for which Consumer Reports collected data, 96%, were rated average or better in predicted reliability. These vehicles, however, offered little in new technology from previous models.
Category Archives: Chrysler
Chrysler Connecting Rod Bearing Failure
Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2012 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles for debris inside the engine block that could lead to connecting rod bearing failure. The vehicles were manufactured between August 31, 2011 to September 13, 2011 and are equipped with 3.6L engines. If the bearings should fail, the engine will seize, increasing the risk of an accident. The vehicles included in this recall include:
- 2012 Chrysler 200
- 2012 Chrysler Town & Country
- 2012 Dodge Charger
- 2012 Dodge Durango
- 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
- 2012 Dodge Journey
- 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Owners wanting more information may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Auto Sales Up In September
According to reports from General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, automobile sales rose significantly in September. Chrysler reported the biggest gain at 27%, Nissan with a 25% increase and GM at 20%. Even though Japanese auto makers were running their factories at full capacity for the first time since the March earthquake and tsunami, Toyota and Honda continue to trail the industry with a drop in US sales. The biggest rise came from the sales of full size pickups, sport utility, and crossover vehicles, a trend that seems to coincide with dropping gas prices. Despite the poor sales at the beginning of the year, some auto makers are expecting full year sales to top13 million before the end of the year, a level that has not been seen since 2008.
Jeep Liberty Investigated For Air Bag Problems
After almost forty complaints of unexpected airbag deployment, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching an investigation into Chyrsler’s 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV. Drivers complaints include the drivers side or both front air bags deploying during normal driving conditions. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 400,000 Jeep Liberty SUV’s could be involved.
Chrysler has experienced air bag problem in several of their vehicles over the past year. The vehicles involved include: 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, and 2009 Dodge Journey.
Chrysler Minivans Investigated For Headlight Failure
Chrysler is being investigated for headlight failure after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received over 1,500 consumer complaints. The investigation will cover over 600,000 minivans made by Chrysler, starting with the 2005 model line up. Divers complaints include headlights that turn off and remain off intermittently without any pattern. Two of the reports resulted in an accident, one of which reported minor injuries. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, there have also been an additional 14,000 warranty claims reported by Chrysler that could be related to the same problem.
Chrysler And Dodge Minivans Recalled
Chrysler is recalling certain 2008 Chrysler and Dodge minivans for a problem with the air conditioning that could lead to an airbag illumination and a potential airbag deployment. A report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is blaming the problem on a leak in the heating and air conditioning system that could affect the occupant restraint conrtol (ORC) module. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
- 2008 Chrysler Voyager
- 2008 Chrysler Town and Country
- 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
The safety recall is expected to begin this month. Owners wanting more information can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Dodge Ram Trucks Recalled For Steering
Chrysler has announced a recall for some Dodge Ram pickup trucks because the left tie rod ball stud could fracture. The problem has been reported to occur during low speed maneuvers during tight turns. If the stud should break while driving, a loss of directional stability will be noticed in the left hand front wheel. The vehicles involved in this recall are:
- 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 2500 4×4
- 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 4×4
- 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab Chassis 4×2
- 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4×4
- 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 that may have received the defective part during normal service
Dealers will inspect and replace the left outer tie rod and perform a front end toe alignment as required. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule, but owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Chrysler Recall 2011 Vehicles For Steering Problems
Chrysler has announced a recall that will have over 11,000 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep owners, bringing in their vehicles to get the steering column inspected. The recall involves some 2011 model year vehicles that may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. The missing or incorrectly installed rivet does not affect the steering of the vehicles under normal driving conditions, but in the event of an accident, the steering column may not be able to support the load of the airbag deployment. This condition may increase the potential for injury in the event of a frontal crash. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. The vehicles involved in this recall are:
