The Chrysler Group recently recalled 215,000 vehicles in the United States. A variety of makes and models from Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep are said to be facing a variety of issues that could present problems for drivers.
While the majority of the safety issues have been spotted before the automaker was made aware of any accidents or injuries, this is nevertheless the second major automotive recall in a relatively short period of time. If you’re driving one of the following cars, consider taking your vehicle into the nearest dealership.
2007 and 2008 Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty SUVs
About 61,4000 Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty cars have been recalled, but only the two-wheel drive versions. If you’ve got a four-wheel drive model of these cars, you’re in the clear.
In the two-wheel drive models, however, a heat shield has been found to potentially loosen. When this happens, it can come into contact with the drive shaft. Over time, the wear that results can cause breakage.
As with most of the issues, the Chrysler Group is currently unaware of any serious issues or accidents that have resulted from this particular problem.
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Trucks
A potentially faulty parking break cable is causing problems on Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Trucks that were manufactured in between December 17, 2012 and January 22, 2013.
While the Chrysler Group doesn’t know about any accidents or injuries that have come about as a result, you still take your car into the dealer if you’re driving this particular model. In the wrong place, a parking brake failure can be a pretty serious problem.
2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks
Most car engines generate a great deal of heat, which probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Because of this, cars typically have an engine cover, which shields the rest of the car from all the heat that’s generated.
This Dodge engine cover was found to insufficiently protect against this heat, so the 2500 and 3500-model Heavy-Duty Dodge Pickups from 2013 have been recalled. The good thing about this particular issue is that almost all of the affected trucks are reported to still be sitting in dealership inventory.
2011 and 2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger
These vehicles were found to have malfunctioning seat-mounted side airbag wiring. This caused a dash-mounted airbag warning light to activate when it doesn’t need to be doing so. While this isn’t any kind of life-threatening issue, it’s still an important issue to resolve.
This problem affects about 119,000 vehicles, all of which were manufactured between April 11 and December 14, 2011.
The 2011 and 2012 Dodge Charger can potentially have faulty side airbag wiring.
2012 Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot
About 20,500 of these cars were made with a faulty tube that could potentially restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. This could cause the engine to stall while driving.
The cause is an interesting one, as Cars.com reports the Chrysler Group’s explanation:
“The campaign stems from a worldwide material shortage that forced a design change to the vehicles’ fuel-tank transfer tubes. The shortage forced a material substitution.”
Unlike the rest of the recall issues, Chrysler is aware of one accident that was caused as a result of this problem. There was no injury reported, however.
This Jeep recall affects cars that were made between October 18, 2011 and May 7, 2012.
2013 Dodge Dart
The newly-redesigned 2013 Dodge Dart could potentially have faulty brake calipers.
Interestingly, only 46 of these automobiles were recalled. This was due to a faulty brake caliper, which could seriously compromise the function of your car’s brakes.
Obviously this is one of the more serious recalls, so it’s important that you check to see whether or not your car is at risk.
There have not been any injuries, accidents, or customer complaints related to this recall, however.
Stay Safe on the Road: Pay Attention to Automotive Recalls
Automotive recalls are a fairly common occurrence, so it’s always smart to make sure that you pay attention and find out whether or not your particular vehicle might be affected.
Often, a recall is only one of our many transportation-related stressors, but it’s a safety issue everyone should take very seriously.
What resources do you use to stay up-to-date on the most current automotive recalls? Let us know in the comments. If you’d like to file a complaint about an automotive company or mechanic, click here.
See Also
Huge Subaru Recall Prompted by Brake Issue: Is Your Car Unsafe?
Health Risk Alert: Nationwide Recall Issued for Injectable Antibiotics
Child Recall Danger: Baby Einstein Activity Jumpers Sold at Target, Amazon
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