Tag Archives: Chrysler

Chrysler Deals With Jeep Death Wobble

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Chrysler has released a technical service bulletin (TSB) alerting Jeep dealers, owners, and employees of Jeep Death Wobble, and have issued procedures on how to repair and prevent the problem. Death Wobble has been a problem in certain 2005-2010 Jeep Wranglers since November 2010 after hundreds of drivers complained of experiencing shimmy symptoms at speeds above 45 mph, after hitting a pothole. The highest number of complaints came from owners of 2007 models.

The bulletin advises that the steering system be inspected regularly for damaged, especially if the system has not been maintained. Chrysler warns owner that the installation of aftermarket steering and suspension components or wheel and tire assembles incompatible with Jeeps is the biggest cause of steering system vibration. There has been no reported deaths related to the problem, but owners experiencing the wobble have been justified in being frightened for their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Chrysler And Ford Vehicles Investigated

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into certain Chrysler 200 vehicles after receiving 15 complaints alleging the engine stalled without warning. The vehicles investigated are the 2011 Chrysler 200 vehicles equipped with 3.6L V-6 engines. All complaints reported the vehicle stalling without warning during low speed decelerations. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 90,000 automobiles could be involved.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also opened an investigation into certain 2011 Ford Explorer SUVs with Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS ), after receiving 15 complaints of power steering loss. Owners reported power steering warning messages as the failure occurred and in some cases the problem was corrected by turning off and restarting the vehicle. There have not been any reported accidents related to the problem, but if the investigation should lead to a recall, over 80,000 vehicles could be affected. Owners with concerns about their vehicle are asked to contact their Ford dealer.

NHTSA Expands Jeep Fire Problems

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A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into Jeep vehicles with a high rate of fires after a rear impact accident, has been expanded to include three models of Jeep vehicles. Originally the investigation focused on 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees, but data collected shows that certain Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Liberty models of the same years, may also experience the same problems.

In an earlier letter to Fiat, CEO Sergio Marchionne referred to the Jeep Grand Cherokee as a modern day Pinto for soccer moms. The Pinto, which had the fuel tank located behind the rear axle, was also found to experience fires after rear impact accidents. According to the Center for Auto Safety, there have been 184 fatal fire crashes in model year 1993 to 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles and that 269 people have died as a result.

The Center for Auto Safety has been petitioning for a recall of the vehicles and said recently in an open letter to the NHTSA that “in NHTSA’s history of defect investigations and recalls, there has never been one where 4-year-old children in child restraints have burned to death in fire crashes until now. The letter continues to detail two instances where Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles were rear-ended and burst into flames, killing two children.

If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 5.1 million vehicles could be involved. According to Bloomberg News, the recall could be one of the largest recalls in history and could be a significant expense for Chrysler and Fiat, who have depended on these models for profitable in recent years.

Jeep Liberty Control Arm Problem Expands

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Chrysler is expanding a recent recall on certain Liberty vehicles to include 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty models originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion from road salts during winter weather. The fracture could result in loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Jeep Wrangler Fire Problem

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Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2010 Jeep Wranglers after receiving fourteen complaints of fires starting in the catalytic converter area. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles were manufactured before July 2010 and have a skid plate to protect the automatic transmission during off road driving. Chrysler said that the skid plate can collect debris and the heat from the catalytic converter could lead to a fire. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in May, and will replace the skid plate with a skid bar that doesn’t collect debris. The recall is the result of a Jeep Wrangler investigation started in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Chrysler Brake And Stability Problem

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Chrysler has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011-2012 Chrysler 300 and 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles for electrical problems. According to Chrysler, the plastic insert surrounding the fuse for the power distribution center could distort due thermal expansion and contraction. This distortion could interrupt power to the anti-locking braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) system, making them inoperable. Chrysler will fix the problem by relocating the fuse to a cooler area. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Wheel Separation On Chrysler And Dodge Minivans

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Chrysler will be recalling a small number of 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans because of a manufacturing error with the right rear hub and bearing assemblies. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the assembly may have not been fully machined which could lead to premature wear. The wheel could separate from the vehicle resulting in loss of control for the driver. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in April, and will replace the right rear hub an bearing assembly free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Jeep SUV Rollover Valve Recall

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Chrysler will be recalling certain 2012 Patriot and 2012 Compass vehicles because of a manufacturing flaw that could increase the risk of fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles built between December 2011 to January 2012, may have a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll over valve. In the event of an accident, the valve may allow fuel leakage, increasing the risk of fire. Chrysler will start notifying owners of the problem, starting in June, and will replace that fuel tanks on these affected vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.