Chrysler Brake Recall

Chrysler Group LLC is recalling more than 24,000 vehicles because of a possible defective or missing part that could result in brake failure. The recall was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on January 19, 2010.

The recall includes 16,872 2009-2010 model year Dodge Ram pick-up trucks, and 2010 model year Chrysler Sebrings, Dodge Avengers, Dodge Nitros, Jeep Commanders, Jeep Grand Cherokees and Jeep Libertys.

The vehicles were apparently built with an improperly formed or missing part in the braking system that can lead to brake failure and a crash.Chrysler said it will notify owners and dealers of the problem by the end of the month, and will replace the part.

The defective part was first spotted in November at Chrysler's Toledo North assembly plant. Then in early December, an employee experienced complete brake loss when testing a vehicle at the automaker's truck assembly plant in Saltillo, Mexico.

Chrysler divulged that some of the vehicles had been built with improperly formed brake booster push rod retaining clips or without a clip, which can lead to push rod separation from the brake pedal assembly.

The recall is taking place as Chrysler is trying to refurbish its image after undergoing bankruptcy and a management takeover by Fiat SpA, and receiving federal bailout funds. The automaker's U.S. sales fell 36 percent in 2009 from the previous year.

See also:
Defective automobiles