Chrysler Recalls More Than 300,000 Jeep and Ram Vehicles in U.S.

Photo Courtesy of Chrysler

Chrysler is recalling about 295,000 Jeep Commanders and Grand Cherokees in the United States for software issues that affect the transmission, as well as approximately 5,330 Jeep Wranglers to install a dust shield and 498 Ram 1500s for windshield defrosting and defogging problems.
The largest recall concerns 2006-2009 Jeep Commanders and 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokees. A software error means the transmission could shift from park into neutral when the driver starts up the vehicle. This could allow the car to roll away and cause a crash. Chrysler dealerships will perform a software update to fix the issue.
Eric Mayne, a Chrysler spokesman, told The New York Times that 26 accidents and two injuries have occurred due to the transmission fault. Chrysler also told The New York Times that they first learned of the issue about 16 months ago when a customer complained about their Grand Cherokee with remote start suddenly shifted into neutral. Chrysler finished testing the new software to fix this issue in March.
Chrysler is also recalling 2013 model-year Ram 1500 models to replace components related to the coolant system that may have become corroded, resulting in limited visibility for the driver. This fix will help ensure that the windshields will defrost and defog correctly. NBC News reports that a third of these trucks are still on dealer lots.
The recall of approximately 5,330 Jeep Wranglers will only affect those 2008 to 2012 models with right-hand drive. Chrysler says the affected Wranglers are primarily used to deliver mail in rural parts of the country. The new dust shields will prevent dust getting into parts of the vehicle that could risk airbag deployment.
Chrysler will notify customers that have any of the vehicles mentioned, but those who think this recall affects their vehicle can call 1-800-853-1403 or contact your dealer.