Chrysler recalling 630k Jeep models worldwide

Thu, 06 Jun 2013

Despite its refusal to recall 2.7 million Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty models this week over a gas tank fire risk, Chrysler will be recalling 630,000 Jeep Compass (pictured), Patriot and Wrangler vehicles around the globe for a pair of entirely different reasons.

The affected Compass and Patriot models are all from the 2010 to 2012 model years – 254,000 in the United States, 45,400 in Canada and 109,000 elsewhere in the world. In these models, a software error may result in the late deployment of the side airbags and seatbelt tensioners. In the event of a crash, failure of these systems could result in more serious injuries for the vehicle's occupants.

Jeep's go-anywhere Wrangler also faces a separate recall due to power steering fluid lines that can possibly wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler line. According to Chrysler, the vehicles could then leak fluid, possibly damaging the transmissions. Roughly 221,100 Wrangler models are being recalled because of this issue, all of which are fitted with Jeep's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. In the US, 181,000 vehicles are affected, with an additional 18,400 in Canada and 21,700 additional units worldwide. A Chrysler spokesperson said that no crashes or injuries have been reported with either case, according to the Associated Press.

Both recalls campaigns are expected to begin in July, where dealers will fix these problems free of charge. Scroll down to read the official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice on the Compass and Patriot recall, and head over to AOL Autos for the full AP report.

Report Receipt Date: JUN 04, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V233000
Component(s): AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , SEAT BELTS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 254,396
All Products Associated with this Recall

JEEP COMPASS 2010-2012
JEEP PATRIOT 2010-2012

Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

SUMMARY

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Jeep Compass and Patriot vehicles manufactured May 6, 2008, through July 20, 2012. The affected vehicles have a software error which may result in a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the seatbelt pre-tensioners and/or side airbags.

CONSEQUENCE

In the event of a rollover necessitating airbag deployment, the software error can lead to a delayed deployment or non-deployment of the side curtain airbag and/or seatbelt pre-tensioners. As a result, vehicle occupants have an increased risk of injury in a crash.

REMEDY

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will correct the software free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall number is N01.

NOTES

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Steven J. Ewing