Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is recalling 646,394 units of the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, in the US market, over possibly malfunctioning brakes.
The action affects the 2011-2014 model-year vehicles, which will have to get their brake-booster shields inspected for proper installation, due to possible water intrusion that could degrade the brakes, thus increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
“The shields are designed to protect the boosters from water intrusion. Should water get inside and contribute to corrosion, and/or freeze, brake function may be degraded”, reports FCA. “A booster compromised by water will still deliver brake function in compliance with US federal safety standards. However, customers may experience excessive brake-pedal firmness.”
FCA, which is advising owners to contact their dealers immediately if they experience any of these conditions, says it’s not aware of injuries related to this concern, but they were informed on a single potentially-related accident.
The recall, which also affects 42,304 vehicles in Canada, and 21,139 units in Mexico, should begin in early November, and all repairs/replacements will be made free of charge.
As a final note, FCA admitted that “the shields were originally installed in conjunction with a 2014 recall involving the same set of vehicles”, out of which “nearly 95 percent have been serviced”. However, an internal investigation that followed a review of warranty data, “discovered that the shields on some vehicles had been installed improperly”.
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