Chrysler recalling 382k Ram HD diesel pickups, 184k SUVs
Wed, 29 Oct 2014Between GM's ignition switches and Takata's airbags, it's been a big year for recalls, but they keep rolling in. The latest comes from Chrysler, which has announced a pair of recalls for certain heavy-duty pickups and SUVs.
The first issue revolves around the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine available in the 2010-2014 Ram HD trucks, including 2500 and 3500 series pickups as well as 4500 and 5500 series chassis cabs. In the affected units, "a terminal connector near the fuel heater may be subject to friction-induced corrosion," according to the first of the two announcements from Chrysler below.
The problem could result in overheating and fuel leakage. Chrysler launched its investigation following cases of overheating, none of which actually started a fire, much less an injury or accident. As a precautionary measure, however, Chrysler is instructing service technicians to replace the terminals on an estimated 381,876 Ram units around the world – the vast majority of those (314,704) registered in the US, another 59,432 in Canada, 1,803 in Mexico and 5,937 abroad.
The second recall involves the 2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee. In the affected units, Chrysler has found that a debris cover can disrupt a circuit board's functioning and disable the vehicle's stability control system. Chrysler reports that it isn't aware of any injuries or accidents resulting from this issue, either, but to fix the problem, Chrysler technicians need only upgrade the software. This recall affects 184,186 units globally – 132,223 in the US, 8,871 in Canada, 4,742 in Mexico and a further 38,350 abroad.
Statement: Fuel-Heater Housing
October 29, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group is voluntarily recalling an estimated 381,876 trucks globally, to upgrade certain wiring-harness terminals and replace – if necessary – their fuel-heater housings.
Restricted to vehicles equipped with 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engines, the campaign follows an investigation of two cases in which fuel-heater housings showed signs of overheating. Chrysler Group is unaware of any incidents involving fire.
Chrysler Group engineers discovered a terminal connector near the fuel heater may be subject to friction-induced corrosion. This condition may lead to overheating and potential fuel leakage.
The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.
Service technicians will install new terminals made from upgraded material. Fuel-heater housings will be inspected and, if they show signs of leakage, they will be replaced. This work will be performed at no cost to customers.
Affected are certain model-year 2010-2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, and 4500 and 5500 chassis cabs. An estimated 314,704 are in the U.S.; 59,432 are in Canada; 1,803 are in Mexico and 5,937 are outside the NAFTA region.
Owners of these vehicles will be notified by Chrysler Group and advised when they may schedule service. Customers with questions may call Chrysler Group's Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.
Statement: Software Upgrade
October 29, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Chrysler Group is voluntarily recalling an estimated 184,186 SUVs globally, to upgrade software that helps manage Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Following an investigation prompted by field data, Chrysler Group engineers discovered a debris cover protecting a certain circuit board may inadvertently disrupt a communication line and disable ESC.
The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.
The software upgrade restores proper communication and preserves ESC function.
Affected customers will be notified next month and advised when they may schedule service, the cost of which will be borne by Chrysler Group.
The campaign covers certain model-year 2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. An estimated 132,223 are in the U.S.; 8,871 are in Canada; 4,742 are in Mexico and 38,350 are outside the NAFTA region.
Customers with questions may call Chrysler Group's Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.
By Noah Joseph
See also: Chrysler-Fiat quality chief out after another poor Consumer Reports showing, NHTSA probing Ram recall pace, communication, Detroit 3 small cars lay an egg in latest Consumer Reports reliability study.