Chrysler recall involves nearly 870K Dodge, Jeep SUVs with brake defect
Chrysler recall of Dodge and Jeep SUVs involves a brake booster with crimped joints that can become corroded when exposed to water. So far, one accident but no injuries are connected to the Chrysler recall.
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is part of a Chrysler recall for a potential corrosion problem that could affect brakes in certain SUV models
Chrysler Group LLC/PRNewsFoto
Chrysler will issue a recall of more than 867,000 of its Jeep and Dodge SUVs due to a potential problem with corrosion that could compromise the vehicles’ brakes.
The Chrysler recall will include 867,795 Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees with model years between 2011 and 2014, according to the automaker.
Vehicles affected by the recall may have a brake booster with crimped joints that can become corroded when exposed to water, the company said. Water that freezes in the booster could make the brake stop working as effectively.
"Should water enter the boosters through corroded joints – a previously unseen occurrence – brake function may be compromised if the water freezes, " the automaker said in a briefing. "Absent water ingestion in sub-freezing conditions, a booster that exhibits corrosion will deliver brake function in compliance with federal safety standards. (The vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic boost compensation system that aids performance, even when booster vacuum levels are low.) However, customers may experience excessive brake-pedal firmness."
Chrysler said there has been one accident related to the problem, but no injuries have occurred. The company investigated the problem after some customers reported excessive brake pedal firmness in their vehicles.
The company will inspect the brake boosters on affected vehicles and replace the booster if they show signs of corrosion. All vehicles in the recall will also be equipped with a shield to block water from the booster, Chrysler said. The company will pay for the work.
The recall and subsequent repairs will impact approximately 644,354 car owners in the US.; 42,380 in Canada; 21,376 in Mexico and 159,685 outside North America.
For more information, customers can call Chrysler's customer hotline at 1-800-853-1403, or visit the company's briefing on the matter, here.