A recent Consumer Reports notice explained that “Chrysler is recalling 667 model-year 2012 vehicles because debris inside the engine block could cause connecting rod bearing failure, which can lead to engine seizure and thereby increase the risk of a crash.” According to this recall report, every vehicle involved in this recall comes with a 3.6L engine.
The vehicle models included in this recall are the following:
Chrysler 200
Chrysler Town and Country
Dodge Charger
Dodge Durango
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Journey
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains that this recall was reported by the manufacturer on September 26. Consumer Reports goes on to explain that “All of the recalled vehicles were manufactured between August 31 and September 13, 2011.” However, this is not the only recall the auto manufacturer has initiated in recent months.
In early August, USA Today reported that Chrysler recalled over ” 367,000 2008 Dodge and Chrysler minivans because the air bags can go off unexpectedly.” This August recall was the second such recall of the “2008 Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Voyager and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans for the same problem,” the news source reports.
The original recall occurred in January and addressed water from the air conditioner which could seep onto the electronic chips of the occupant restraint control module, which controls the vehicle’s air bags. USA Today reported that, according to the recall notice, this leak would “set off the airbag light on the dash” and “potentially also cause it to set off the bags.”
Initially, the news source explains that dealers only “replaced an air conditioner drain grommet to fix the leak”. However, the company explained that its engineers determined that the moisture damage may have permanently affected the chip circuit boards in the vehicles that were previously repaired. That prompted the auto maker to initiate a second recall to “inspect and possibly replace them,” USA Today explains.
According to that August article from USA Today, the company said they were unaware of any injuries or accidents arising from vehicles that have had the previous recall repair completed. Nevertheless, the head of product investigations and campaigns explained that despite the lack of any reports of related incidents, the company believed it to be in their best interest to initiate this second recall.
The majority of the 367,000 vehicles recalled due to the air bag issue were sold in the United States, according to USA Today. Another 50,251 were sold in Canada, 3,748 in Mexico and 16,633 in other countries.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to engine seizure or unnecessary airbag deployment in one of the affected Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep models, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with automobile recalls. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
References:
Meier, Fred. (August 4, 2011) “Chrysler recalls 376,000 minivans for air bag defect.” Retrieved on November 10, 2011 from USA Today.
Safecar.gov
Shader, Maggie. (September 30, 2011) “Recall: 2012 Chrystler vehicles-potential engine seizure.” Retrieved on November 10, 2011 from Consumer Reports.