It seems ’tis the season of massive recalls, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing for consumers – would you prefer that automakers tried to cover blemishes? Of course not. After GM’s recent string of safety actions, the Chrysler Group announced on Wednesday that it plans to recall 867,795 SUVs worldwide because corrosion caused by undue water exposure may affect the brakes.
The vehicles affected are certain Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs from the 2011 through 2014 model years.
“The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside,” the automaker acknowledged in a filling with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.”
Chrysler said it launched an investigation after receiving customer feedback about excessive brake-pedal firmness, adding that it is “aware of one related accident and no injuries” due to the defect.
The automaker estimates that 644,354 units of the SUVs recalled were sold in the U.S., with 42,380 in Canada, 21,376 in Mexico and 159,685 outside the NAFTA region.
To fix the problem, Chrysler will fit all boosters with a shield to insulate their crimp joints from water, and if necessary, replace the boosters too if their capability has been reduced.
By John Halas
PHOTO GALLERY
