— Talk about a rough week for Chrysler. Five separate recalls involving over 213,000 vehicles, 10 different models, all recalled at the same time.
Let’s get started, shall we?
Air Bags: Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger
Chrysler is recalling over 119,000 vehicles for major air bag problems. The affected models include the 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger.
The vehicles were manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011.
According to Chrysler, there might be improperly sized terminal crimps on the side air bag wiring harness which could cause the air bag to fail and the warning light to activate.
The recall should start April, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 800-247-9753 and ask about recall number N07.
Drive Shaft: Dodge Nitro 4X2, Jeep Liberty 4X2
A broken drive shaft is trouble no matter how you look at it, but can you imagine getting pounded by your air bag at the same time the drive shaft breaks at 70 mph?
Chrysler said that’s possible with over 61,000 model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, possibly causing it to break. That will automatically cause the vehicle to stop moving forward.
However, if the transfer case tunnel is hit with enough force, the air bag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and cause the air bags to deploy.
The affected vehicles were manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008.
The recall is expected to begin during May, 2013. Dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield. Owners can contact Chrysler at 800-247-9753 and refer to number N10.
Fuel System: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass
Over 20,000 model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles are recalled because of fuel system problems. Chrysler says the transfer tube might not work correctly because the tube was incorrectly manufactured.
Your engine could stall because the fuel from the secondary side wouldn’t make it to the primary side of the tank.
The affected vehicles were manufactured October 18, 2011, through May 7, 2012.
The recall should begin in May, 2013. Contact Chrysler at 800-247-9753 and refer to recall number N17.
Parking Brake: Dodge Ram 1500
Over 6,500 model year 2013 Dodge Ram vehicles are on the recall chopping block because of parking brake problems.
Chrysler says the parking brake can fail to hold the vehicle if it’s parked on a 20 percent grade. The problem is the parking brake cable equalizer that was set incorrectly during manufacturing.
Chrysler says the recall should begin in April, 2013. Dealers will reset the parking brake cable equalizer.
With questions, owners can contact Chrysler at 800-247-9753 and refer to recall number N22.
Fire Risk: Dodge Ram 2500/3500
More recalls for the 2013 model year, this time affecting over 6,000 model year 2013 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. Chrysler says there’s a fire risk because the engine cover can trap too much heat.
The recalled vehicles were manufactured January 7, 2013, through March 6, 2013.
The recall should begin in May, 2013. Dealers will replace the existing engine cover with one that is a different design.
Chrysler's Ram 2500 and 3500 recall number is N19.
