Chrysler SUV Recall Issued Over Brake Problems

More than 700,000 Fiat Chrysler Jeep and Durango vehicles have been recalled due to brake problems, which could increase the risk of an auto accident. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee recall on October 2, after receiving several consumer complaints and one crash report that indicated the vehicle’s braking ability was limited. To date, no injuries or fatalities have been associated with the recall.

The affected vehicles were previously recalled in March 2014, when Fiat Chrysler identified the potential for water to enter the brake booster, limiting the vehicle’s braking ability. A safety recall was initiated and the vehicles were serviced by dealers, who were instructed to install a brake booster shield to prevent water intrusion.

Since the initial recall was issued in May 2014, Fiat Chrysler has received nearly a dozen consumer complaints indicating the vehicles have weakened braking ability since the brake booster shield was installed to prevent water intrusion.

In the event the brake booster shield was improperly installed, drivers may have limited braking ability which could result in the increased risk of a rear-end collision or crash hazard.

The vehicles included in the recall are model year 2011 through 2014 Dodge Durango’s and 2011 through 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles that were manufactured from January 5, 2010 through September 8, 2013.

The NHTSA projects there to be an estimated 710,000 vehicles included in the recall that were distributed for sale throughout the United States at licensed Fiat Chrysler dealers.

Those with impacted vehicles will be notified with a mailed notice by Chrysler with instructions on how to contact your local dealer to inspect the brake booster shield and correctly reinstall the shield if necessary, free of charge. The recall is anticipated to begin on November 7, 2017. Customers with further questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference the recall number T59.