Category Archives: Chrysler

News about Chrysler automobile manufacturer. News about Chrysler recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Chrysler vehicles.

Chrysler Recalls Vehicles For Power Steering Leak

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Chrysler Group LLC is recalling almost 35,000 vehicles over concerns that the power steering fluid line could leak potentially causing an engine fire. The vehicles involved in this recall includes:

  • 2010 Chrysler Sebring
  • 2010 Chrysler 300
  • 2010 Dodge Charger
  • 2010 Dodge Challenger
  • 2010 Dodge Avenger
  • 2010 Dodge Journey
  • 2011 Dodge Ram light-duty pickup trucks

Chrysler said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem and that the recall is based on reports from their supplier who experienced two hose separations during testing in July. Chrysler will start notifying owners later this month and replace the hoses as necessary free of charge. Owners with questions can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

NHTSA Investigates Jeep Gas Tank Fires

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into a possible defect with the gas tanks on 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The investigation was encouraged by the advocacy group Center for Auto Safety in October when they said that the plastic fuel tank was susceptible to ruptures during rear end collisions and roll overs.

In the last two decades, the NHTSA said that there have been 55 deaths in crashes involving the sport utility, in which fire was listed as the probable cause of death. In ten of those crashes, the vehicle was involved in a rear end collision.

After an initial review, the NHTSA has reported that the Grand Cherokee does not have a significantly higher number of fires than any other vehicle. In a statement, NHTSA said, “The existence of these post-crash fires does not, by itself, establish a defect trend.” Further review and investigation into these accidents is needed to determine if the problem constitutes a recall.

Chrysler Recall For Braking Problems

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Chrysler and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be recalling certain 2010 Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro and Dodge Ram vehicles which were built will a defective part that could affect the braking ability. In certain models, the improperly formed part could allow brake fluid to drain out of the system leading to a loss of braking.

Although the NHTSA notice has already been issued, a full recall won’t take place until August, where dealers will install replacement brake tubes on affected models free of charge. If you have questions you can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403, or the NHTSA at 888-327-4236.

GM, Chrysler Arbitrations Come To An End

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The Congress led arbitration hearings for almost 2,800 GM and Chrysler dealerships that were to be closed last year will soon come to an end. Since the hearings began, many of the cases have been resolved outside of arbitration. Some dealerships dropped out of the process on their own, others decided to start selling other brands, and some could still face months of litigation in state courts. While GM agreed that it would restore more than 660 dealerships and Chrysler about 80, the actual numbers will not be known until the arbitration is complete.

Networked Charging Stations For California

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Coulomb Technologies, a leader in electric vehicle charging station infrastructure, has announced that they will be spending $37 million installing networked charging stations throughout the United States. The program will provide almost 5000 charging stations in Austin, Texas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Fla., Sacramento, Calif., the San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Redmond, Wash., and Washington DC.

A wide network of charging stations is expected to help quell fears that future electric car owners won’t be able to drive far beyond their home charging base. In support of the ChargePoint America program, three automakers have committed to deliver electric vehicles in designated US regions. The Chevrolet Volt, the Ford Transit Connect Electric and Ford Focus Electric through the “Ford Blue Oval ChargePoint Program”, and the smart for two electric drive will be introduced along with this program.

ChargePoint America will offer both home and public charging stations to individuals and businesses. Charging stations owners can set their own prices for charging through the Flex Billing™ system. The Flex Billing system enables station owners to set pricing as a function of time of day, calendar date, and driver – much like a parking meter. Those same stations can also be configured to provide “free” access to EV drivers.

Coulomb’s ChargePoint® Network, is open to all drivers of plug-in vehicles and provides authentication, management, and real-time control for the networked electric vehicle charging stations. The network of electric vehicle charging stations is accessible to all plug-in drivers by making a toll free call to the 24/7 number on each charging station, or signing up for a ChargePoint Network monthly access plan and obtaining a ChargePass™ smart card. Other future payment options include using any smart (RFID) credit/debit card to authorize a session or using a standard credit or debit card at a remote payment station (RPS) to pay for charging sessions. To locate available charging stations, visit mychargepoint.net and click “Find Stations”.

Chrysler Recalls More Vehicles

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There have been no reported accidents or injuries, but Chrysler will be recalling almost 700,000 2006-2007 Jeep Wranglers and 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.

The Jeep Wranglers, made from May 15, 2006 to August 9, 2010, may experience a brake fluid leak due to the front inner fender liner rubbing against the brake fluid line. If the line begins to leak, the loss of brake fluid could lead to a loss of brakes.

The Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans, made from February 2007 to September 2007, may have improperly placed wires that can come into contact with the sliding door hinges. If the wire insulation is rubbed through, a potential fire hazard may result.

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.

Chrysler’s Recall For Sticky Gas Pedals

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After the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received five complaints of sticky gas pedals, Chrysler has been quick to recall about 25,000, 2007 Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass vehicles. The problem started to surface in late April, and is being blamed on the pedal system built by the CTS Corporation of Elkhart, Indiana, the same company that built the accelerator pedal assemblies that were involved in the Toyota recall.

A NHTSA analysis found that the problem resulted because pockets in the pedal assembly that hold bushings, which act as a bearing for the pivot shaft of the accelerator pedal arm, were too large. Chrysler said the vehicles were equipped with an electronic throttle control system that reduced engine power when there was a “disagreement” between the brake and the accelerator signals, adding that the system prevented the pedal problem from causing “an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.”

Only pedals installed in cars manufactured between March 7 and May 19, 2006, are affected. The automaker said its recall was designed to find those faulty pedal assemblies and replace them.

CTS denies that its pedals cause sudden acceleration or that the pedals can even fully stick. It called the issue a “slow return pedal phenomenon,” and said in a statement that it was unaware of any accidents or injuries because of the problem. Regulators have opened a defect investigation into CTS, the first ever taken against the company.

Dodge Calibers Experience Sticky Gas Pedals

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating a sticky gas pedal problem in the 2007 Dodge Caliber sport utility vehicles. About 10,000 Caliber vehicles built between March and April of 2006 are the suspect of this investigation, but so far there has not been a recall issued. Only five complaints have been made, and no accidents have been reported. Chrysler said the Caliber is equipped with a safety system that would cut engine power if the brake and gas pedals are pressed at the same time.

Chrysler said the pedals on the vehicle were made by CTS Corp. of Elkhart, Indiana, the same company that manufactured pedals for Toyota. The automaker says the problem is mechanical and is not an electronic or design issue. Four of the Caliber drivers reported they found small parts of the gas pedal known as bushings on the driver side floor. Without the bushings, it is possible for the pedals to become stuck, according to NHTSA.

Anyone who owns a 2007 Caliber built from March through April of 2006 can visit their Dodge dealer for a free inspection or they can call 1-800-992-1997 for more information.