The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading an investigation into almost 400,000 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty SUV’s, for complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment. Almost 90 complaints have been received to date, 50 of which alleged injuries including burns, cuts and bruises. Chrysler and the NHTSA are suspecting a voltage spike in the electronic circuit that controls the airbag deployment, and are working with the safety administration for confirmation. There have been no complaints of inadvertent airbag deployment in vehicles manufactured after March 19, 2003.
Category Archives: Chrysler
Mercedes Benz Investigated For Fuel Smell
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating certain 2003-2006 Mercedes Benz E55 AMG sedans and wagons for potential gas leaks. The NHTSA has received over 20 reports from owners who complained about the smell of gasoline inside and outside the vehicle. In some cases, a visible fuel leak was noticed from the fuel sending unit at the top of the fuel tank, underneath the cushion in the rear seat. Several reports suggest the leakage may be related to a March, 2008 emissions recall conducted by Mercedes Benz (Emissions Recall Campaign # 2008-020001) which involved potential cracking of the fuel filter module in vehicles exposed to high ambient temperatures. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 8,000 vehicles could be affected.
Auto Sales Strong In November
The end of 2011 looks promising for the auto industry as vehicle sales climb almost 14% in November. Analysts predict that lower gas prices and a wider availability of Japanese automobiles, could lead the industry reaching its highest December sales in two years. The Big Three automobile manufacturers showed the biggest increases with Chrysler sales up almost 50%, Ford up 13%, and General Motors up 7%.
According to Edmunds.com, “Many consumers who held off buying a new vehicle because of the uncertain economy, or because of inventory shortages that caused prices to jump, are now making a purchase. The result is a “mini-bubble” that will most likely end in early 2012.
Contaminated Brake Systems In Chrysler Vehicles
Chrysler is recalling a small number of 2012 Dodge Journey crossover and 2012 Fiat 500 subcompact cars for a possible contamination of the vehicles’ brake system. A report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that approximately 350 vehicles built between October 24 to October 26, may have power steering fluid in their brake systems. The improper fluid could degrade seals throughout the system, eventually causing the system to fail. Owners wanting more information on the contamination problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Ford Quality Rating Drops
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.
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.
