Chrysler and the Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced yesterday that more than 24,000 late-model Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles will be recalled in order to repair a defective or missing part that could possibly result in unexpected brake failure. Some vehicles were possibly manufactured with a faulty brake booster rod retaining clip, and some vehicles may have even been built without the clip.
The vehicle involved in this recall include some 2010 models of the Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Commander, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Dodge Ram trucks manufactured in 2009 and 2010 are also included in the recall. Currently, Chrysler has not received any reports of incidents nor is aware of any accidents that were the result of the missing retaining clip.
The brake booster rod retaining clip, a part of the brake hydraulics, is essential in brake function, as it maintains consistency in performance. Without the clip, as factory workers in Mexico and Toledo witnessed, the brakes could completely lose power. The result could be a full-speed automobile accident. In Mexico, workers watched as a Dodge Ram Heavy Duty completely lost its brake power during testing. Workers in Toledo also discovered malformed clips in Nitro and Liberty models being manufactured at their plant.
Chrysler will replace or install the retaining clip for free, as the safety recall will begin this month. Consumers and Chrysler owners with the aforementioned model year vehicles can contact the company at (800) 853-1403 for additional information. Consumers can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at (888) 327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.