Chrysler latest in “Big 3” to undergo massive recall
Posted Apr 2, 2014 8:52 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Hundred of thousands of Chrysler owners will soon get a notice in the mail, the auto giant is the latest member of the “Big 3” to undertake a massive recall of some of its vehicles.
This one involves the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee model years 2011 to 2014.
An investigation found certain vehicles have brake boosters with small crimp joints; and these joints were corroding after being exposed to water.
In some cases it caused the braking function of the SUVs to be compromised, but for that to happen a whole host of conditions have to be met.
“You’ve gotta have corrosion, then you gotta have water inside the brake booster, then the water inside the booster has to freeze and then you’ll have compromised brake function which basically means you will not be able to stop the vehicle as you would expect,” explains Chrysler Media Relations Manager Eric Mayne.
They’re looking to install a brake shield in nearly 868,000 vehicles across North America, 42,380 in Canada alone.
Mayne tells 660News they aren’t aware of any injuries, there has been one collision reported.
“We’re not happy when there’s any collisions but there has only been one noted and we are moving very quickly to address this,” said Mayne.
He says Chrysler customers first noticed a hard brake pedal feel back in May of 2013 and then in February of this year they started to find the water inside the brakes.
The compromised brake function doesn’t mean brakes on the vehicles will fail entirely.
“It’s almost akin to back in the old days for those listeners who will remember when power brakes weren’t around, it probably feels the same way,” says 660 Automotive Specialist Tim Dimopolous.
Dimopolous says it’s his understanding that drivers will have to work a little harder, given the excessive firmness found in some pedals.
It’s still too early to say how long it will take for owners to have these shields installed, Chrysler is still working out the specifics of its campaign and working to notify owners.
He says shields tend to be pretty commonplace to your vehicle’s undercarriage.
“What the shields are are basically just sheet metal, wrapped around certain components,” Dimopolous explains. “And there are several shields wrapped around any vehicle, the muffler system, the exhaust system.”
Mayne says Chrysler is assuming the entire cost of the operation but won’t disclose the exact numbers.
Any customers who remain concerned are being urged to contact the company at 1-800-853-1403.
