Chrysler Recalls More Than 50,000 Jeep and Ram Models

Chrysler Group is recalling 45,961 Ram 1500 trucks in the U.S. due to a software issue that can disable the Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The recall affects 2013 model-year trucks with four-wheel drive. ESC systems use sensors to detect when a vehicle is losing control, and then helps the driver maintain control by applying the brakes to certain wheels to keep the car moving along its intended path. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “A disabled ESC system may result in loss of directional control, increasing the risk of a crash.”
Affected owners should hear from Chrysler in August and dealers will update the ESC software for free. If you have any questions about the recall, you can call Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 and mention recall campaign number N37.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees with LED headlamps have been recalled. (Chrysler Group)

Chrysler is also recalling 4,458 Jeep Grand Cherokee models for a problem with the vehicle’s parking lamps. NHTSA says that the recall affects 2014 Grand Cherokee Limited, Overland and Summit models that are equipped with premium headlamps and LED daytime running lights. When the driver turns the parking lights on, a software glitch immediately turns them off again. This can result in reduced visibility, which increases the risk of a crash. Without parking lamps, the vehicle also fails to conform to federal safety standards, according to NHTSA.
The fix involves a software update, which dealers will do free of charge. Chrysler will start contacting owners of affected vehicles in August. If you have any questions for Chrysler, you can contact them at 1-800-247-9753 and mention recall campaign number N42.

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Up to 1.56 Million Jeep Owners Will Get Free Trailer Hitches

2007 Jeep Liberty (Chrysler Group LLC)

Chrysler Group has agreed to honor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s request to recall Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs, but only after NHTSA cut the number of affected Jeeps from 2.7 million to 1.56 million. The automaker says in a blog post that it “will conduct a voluntary safety recall of 1.56 million 1993-1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Jeep Liberty vehicles for supplemental improvement in low-speed crashes.” The fix? A trailer hitch assembly, which Chrysler says will “better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts.”
[RELATED: Chrysler Has Limited Time to Respond to NHTSA Recall Request]
Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that already have trailer hitches will be inspected and the hitch will be replaced if necessary, but Chrysler says that Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs with factory-installed or Mopar-branded trailer hitches probably won’t need to be replaced.
Chrysler’s recall excludes about 1.1 million 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee SUVs, which were part of NHTSA’s original recall request. The automaker will perform a customer satisfaction action on these SUVs, inspecting and replacing aftermarket trailer hitches if necessary. However, owners without trailer hitches, as well as those with Mopar or factory-installed hitches, do not need to bring their SUVs in for inspection.
[RELATED: Chrysler Denies NHTSA’s Request to Recall 2.7 Million Jeep Vehicles]
USA Today reports that NHTSA says the Jeeps in question are prone to life-threatening fires after rear-end collisions, but Chrysler maintains that the vehicles in question are safe and defect-free. Additionally, USA Today says that Chrysler does not have to say the recalled SUVs are defective, which “will help Chrysler defend itself in any lawsuits over those Jeeps.”
CNNMoney reports, “Chrysler still faces liability risks in numerous wrongful death suits. NHTSA says there have been [at] least 37 accidents that caused fires and resulted in at least 51 deaths.”

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GM Recalling 193,652 Midsize SUVs

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer (General Motors)

General Motors is recalling 193,652 SUVs over concern that a short circuit could cause a fire. The recall affects 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Saab 9-7X and Isuzu Ascender SUVs, as well as 2006 Trailblazer EXT and Envoy XL models.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that fluid may leak into the driver’s door module. Corrosion may occur as a result, which could cause a short circuit and make the power window switches function improperly or not at all. NHTSA says a short circuit could also cause components to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.
NHTSA says that a fire could start while the vehicle is not in use, and is advising owners to park outside until the problem has been fixed.
The Detroit News reports that at least 28 fires have been reported, some of which occurred when the SUVs were unattended. The publication says this is the second recall related to this issue since last August, and about 440,000 SUVs have been recalled in total.
To fix the problem, dealers will test the driver’s door module to see if it is functioning properly. A protective coating will be applied to the modules that are working properly. Modules that are malfunctioning will be replaced.
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified of the recall, which will begin July 24. For more information, contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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BMW, General Motors and Toyota Issue Recalls

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

BMW is recalling 42,080 3-Series models for a potential issue with the front airbag on the passenger side. The recall affects 2002-03 3-Series convertibles, coupes, sedans and wagons, as well as M3 coupes and convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the airbag “may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the airbag.” In the event of a collision, metal fragments from the inflator could strike vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of serious injury.
BMW will notify owners of affected 3-Series vehicles in May, though replacement parts aren’t expected to be available until July. When parts are available, BMW will follow up with owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag at no charge. If you think your 3-Series is affected, you can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Photo courtesy of General Motors

A faulty hybrid charging system has prompted General Motors to recall a total of 42,904 vehicles. NHTSA says that the Generator Control Module (GCM) in 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco sedans may malfunction, which “could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.” If the condition is ignored, the vehicle could stall, fail to start or a fire could occur in the vehicle’s trunk.
GM will contact owners of affected vehicles, who can have the GCM tested and replaced (if necessary) by dealers at no charge. If you have questions about the recall, you can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 and mention recall campaign number 13136.

Photo courtesy of Toyota

Auxiliary driving lights that don’t comply with government safety standards have prompted Toyota to recall 11,489 FJ Cruiser SUVs from 2007-13 model years. NHTSA says that when the driving lights are used in conjunction with the headlights, the FJ Cruiser surpasses “the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp.” As a consequence, the driving lights may cause too much glare for approaching traffic, which could increase the chance of a collision.
Toyota will start contacting FJ Cruiser owners in late May, and dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the 55-watt driving lamp bulbs with 35-watt bulbs at no charge. If you own an FJ Cruiser, you can contact Toyota directly at 1-800-331-4331

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Chrysler Recalls 215k Vehicles

2012 Dodge Challenger. Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group.

Chrysler Group has issued six different recalls across its four major brands, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Jeep, for various issues. The total number of vehicles recalled in the U.S. is approximately 215,000.
The largest recall affects about 119,497 vehicles, according to NHTSA. Affected models include 2011-2012 Dodge Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300 models built between April 11, 2011 and Dec. 14, 2011. A component of the model’s air bag wiring harness may be improperly sized, and as a result, the airbags may not properly deploy in a crash. Chrysler's campaign number for this recall is N07, and the NHTSA campaign number is 13V118000.
The second recall affects 61,409 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4x2 vehicles manufactured between March 21, 2006 and March 1, 2008, as well as 2008 Jeep Liberty 4x2 models built between Feb. 15, 2007 and March 1, 2008. According to NHTSA, the heat shield on the transfer case may rub against the drive shaft, which could potentially weaken and cause the drive shaft to break. If this happens, the vehicle will be inoperable. Additionally the air bag computer may falsely believe that the vehicle has been involved in a collision and deploy the airbags. Chrysler’s campaign number for this recall is N10 and the NHTSA campaign number is 13V121000.
Chrysler is also recalling 20,532 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass models built between Oct. 18, 2011 and May 7, 2012. NHTSA says that a transfer tube between the primary and secondary sides of the fuel tank may have been improperly manufactured, which could interrupt the flow of fuel, which would cause the engine to stall. Chrysler's campaign number for this recall is N17 and the NHTSA campaign number is 13V120000.
Autoblog states that those three recalls are official government recalls issued on behalf of Chrysler, while the next three were announced by the automaker.

2013 Ram 1500. Photo courtesy of Chrysler Group.

Chrysler is recalling 6,600 2013 Ram 1500 models built between Dec. 17, 2012 and Jan. 22, 2013 to inspect the parking brakes, which may not function properly. More information can be found on Chrysler’s website. Additionally, about 7,000 2013 Ram HD models are being recalled to replace engine covers which may not be properly heat-resistant. In a statement, Chrysler says that only about 500 of these models are in the hands of customers, while the rest of them are still on dealer lots.
Finally, Chrysler is recalling 46 2013 Dodge Dart models that were built over a 24-hour period in November. Chrysler says that the brake calipers on these models do not meet Chrysler's specifications.
With each of the recalls, Chrysler will notify owners of the affected vehicles, and start performing repairs, free of charge, between April and May. Owners may contact Chrysler at 248-512-6660 or 800-247-9753. Owners of vehicles recalled by NHTSA may also contact NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

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2005 to 2009 Subaru Outback and Legacy Recalled

Subaru is recalling roughly 200,000 Legacy and Outback models because the brake lines could be susceptible to corrosion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the recall affects 2005 to 2009 model year vehicles that are “currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.”
NHTSA says that a gap in the fuel tank protector could allow salt water to splash onto the brake lines, which creates the risk of excessive corrosion. Kicking Tires writes, “This could cause brake fluid leakage, which could necessitate longer stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.”
Owners of affected Legacy and Outback models will be notified by Subaru so that dealers can perform an inspection. If no brake fluid is seeping, dealers will rustproof the area in question with an anti-corrosion wax. If seepage is present, Subaru will rustproof the area and replace the brake lines.
Subaru has not announced when the recall will begin yet. Owners of affected vehicles can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

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Dodge Challenger Recalled for Fire Risk

2013 Dodge Challenger. Photo courtesy of Chrysler.

Chrysler Group has issued a recall for 4,459 2013 Challenger sports cars from its Dodge brand.
In a statement, Chrysler Group says the wiring harness in the cars could short circuit. "This condition could cause a wire harness to overheat and possibly lead to fire. Chrysler Group is aware of seven such incidents. None caused injury."
The New York Times reports that the recall affects roughly 2,500 Dodge Challengers with V6 engines. "About 1,900 other Challengers are also being recalled, but those are still on dealer lots, the automaker said. Under federal regulations, dealers must carry out such recalls before the vehicles can be sold."
Because of the risk of fire, Chrysler Group says, "Affected owners are being contacted directly – by telephone and by mail. They are being advised to immediately refrain from driving their vehicles and to contact their dealers. Loaner vehicles will be provided, free of charge, until repairs are complete. Chrysler Group further advises affected owners not to park their vehicles in or near any structures."
If you have a Dodge Challenger and think it may be affected by the recall, The Detroit Bureau says Chrysler Group "advises owners of 2013 Challengers equipped with V-6 engines to call their dealer to determine if their vehicles are covered by the recall."

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Honda, Nissan Issue Recalls

Separate recalls have been issued for approximately 183,000 Honda/Acura models and an unspecified number of Nissan/Infiniti models.

2005 Honda Pilot

Honda’s recall affects 101,000 Pilot models, 60,000 Acura MDX models and 21,000 Acura RL models from the 2005 model year, as well as about 800 2006 Acura MDX models. In a press release, Honda says that its stability control system may malfunction, and that several complaints about the system malfunctioning have been submitted.
The automaker says that a component of the stability system control unit may have been damaged during manufacture. The system, Honda says, “could malfunction and apply a small amount of brake force for a fraction of a second, without any input by the driver.” Additionally, Honda says that if the driver applies the brakes while during a system malfunction, the car could brake with more force than the driver intends. Either scenario could increase the risk of a crash. Honda reports that there have been no reported crashes or injuries related to this issue.
To fix the problem, Honda will install a new electronic sub-harness component for the stability control system. The automaker will also inspect approximately 51,000 Pilot models to make sure that an electronic ground bolt for the stability control system is properly tightened.
Honda is requesting that owners of the affected models take their vehicle to the dealer as soon as notification of the recall is received in the mail. Notifications will be sent out in mid-April. In the meantime, owners of potentially-affected vehicles can contact Honda by calling 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238 and selecting option 4. More information can also be obtained online at www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com.

2013 Nissan Altima

Nissan’s recall affects an unspecified number of 2013 Altima, Leaf, Sentra, Pathfinder and Infiniti JX35 models. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that the front passenger Occupant Detection System may not have been manufactured properly. This may cause the sensor to function improperly, which could prevent the passenger airbag from deploying in a crash because it does not sense the presence of a passenger.
Kicking Tires reports that Nissan is still working with the part supplier to determine how many vehicles are affected.
To remedy the problem, Nissan will inspect the Occupant Detection System sensor and replace them as necessary. Nissan will notify owners of affected vehicles beginning in early April. Owners of potentially affected vehicles can contact Nissan Customer Service at 1-800-647-7261 or NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

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