Chrysler recalling over 200k vehicles across its brands

Wed, 10 Apr 2013

With more than 200,000 units across six separate recalls and almost all of its brands, it appears that Chrysler has officially jumped headfirst into the recall pool this month. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued three official recalls for the automaker, and The Detroit News is reporting that the automaker itself has announced three more.

The biggest of the recalls applies to about 120,000 Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger and Chrysler 300 models for 2011 and 2012 due to faulty wiring harnesses for the seat-mounted side airbags, which could lead to these airbags not deploying in the event of a crash. A little more than 60,000 two-wheel-drive versions of the 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty SUVs are being recalled due to a heat shield that could cause the driveshaft to break, which if that isn't bad on its own, could then hit underneath where the airbag sensor is mounted, causing the airbags to deploy. Wrapping up NHTSA's recall notices, about 20,000 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass models for 2012 are also being recalled due to a problem with the fuel tank transfer tube that could lead to the vehicle stalling. The LX car recall campaign is going into effect this month, while the other two will start next month – all three notices are posted below.

In addition to the official NHTSA recalls, The Detroit News is also reporting that Chrysler is recalling more than 16,000 Ram trucks and a small number of Dodge Dart sedans. Around 6,500 2013 Ram 1500 trucks will be recalled due to an improper adjustment of the parking brake cable from the factory, while 7,000 Cummins-powered 2013 Ram Heavy Duty trucks are being recalled due to an engine cover that does not have as much heat resistance as it is supposed to. Finally, a total of 46 Dodge Dart sedans are being recalled due to a problem with the brake calipers and/or parking brake.

RECALL Subject : Seat Airbag Wiring Harness

Report Receipt Date: APR 03, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V118000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 119,497
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.
CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.
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.

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RECALL Subject : Drive Shaft Failure may cause Airbag Deployment

Report Receipt Date: APR 03, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V121000

Component(s): AIR BAGS , POWER TRAIN , STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 61,409
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.
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.

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RECALL Subject : Fuel Tank Transfer Tube may cause Stall , 1 INVESTIGATION(S)

Report Receipt Date: APR 03, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V120000
Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 20,532
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC
SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012. Due to an incorrectly manufactured transfer tube, the transfer of fuel from the secondary side to the primary side of the fuel tank may be interrupted, causing the engine to stall.
CONSEQUENCE:
If the engine stalls while driving it may increase the risk of a crash.
REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer tube free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N17.
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 Jeffrey N. Ross