Three of the four quality gaffs are from computers and software programming errors.
Late in the day before the U.S. July 4th holiday, the Fiat-controlled Chrysler Group issued statements on four separate safety recalls. This obvious ploy to minimize damaging publicity about its latest quality gaffs came as the Center for Auto Safety renewed efforts to have the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash test a proposed fix covering Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee SUVs for fuel-system fires.
These latest safety defects came after a Chrysler initially said in effect “Va F’anculo” to NHTSA when the U.S. safety regulator requested a formal recall to ensure that the Jeeps meet newer fuel-system safety standards that were not in effect when they were sold. Chrysler contends that a trailer hitch will help prevent fuel-tank fires on Jeeps during low-speed rear collisions.
1. Now Chrysler Group is recalling 490,000 cars and utility vehicles to fix active headrests because faulty microcontrollers were installed in a TRW supplied component that fails to activate the headrests. AHRs are required in the vehicles to meet FMVSS-202a. The bogus computers entered the supply chain after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan caused a worldwide microcontroller shortage. (AutoInformed forecasts more of these microprocessor recalls will occur at other automakers.) Chrysler will replace the processor or upgrade system software as needed, at no cost to its customers as required by NHTSA regulations. Affected are the 2011-2013 Chrysler Sebring, 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize cars; 2011-2013 Jeep Liberty SUVs and 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro SUVs. The recall covers 442,000 vehicles in the U.S.; 25,000 in Canada; 10,000 in Mexico; and 12,000 outside the NAFTA region.
2. Chrysler is recalling 282,000 model-year 2013 minivans to correct airbag-control software. Following a customer complaint, an investigation found the minivans are equipped with a Mexican-built component from Continental that is programmed to deploy side airbags on the opposing side of the vehicle. Side airbags are intended to deploy on the side of the vehicle that corresponds with the impact.
3. Chrysler is recalling 69,000 Ram 4×4 pickup trucks to update their electronic stability control or ESC software. Dealers reported ESC warning-light activations on 2013 Ram 1500 trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. The warning light indicates ESC is disabled. This safety defect occurs when the transfer case position is changed immediately before the ignition is turned off. Software is now modified to prevent ESC deactivation. The total number of affected vehicles are 45,900 in the U.S., 21,000 in Canada, 1,400 in Mexico and 770 outside the NAFTA region.
4. Chrysler is recalling 1,060 Ram commercial trucks in North America – more than half of which are in dealer hands – to inspect and replace, if necessary, a track-bar fastener. The track bar secures the axle during suspension travel. Fastened improperly, it may compromise vehicle steering. Affected customers will be notified directly and their trucks inspected. If equipped with an incorrect bolt, the appropriate fastener will be installed. The campaign is restricted to trucks equipped with four-wheel drive. Affected are 747 model 2013 Ram 4500/5500 trucks in the U.S. and 311 in Canada.
Read AutoInformed on:
- Chrysler Balks at NHTSA Jeep Recall Request
- Chrysler Finally Agrees to Fix Jeep Fuel Systems after a Long NHTSA Probe and Formal Recall Request
- Jeep Fuel Tank Fire Fix Inadequate Center for Auto Safety Says
- Chrysler Challenges Nader, Center for Auto Safety, Disputing Need for a Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall for Rear Impact Fires
