Chrysler is Recalling the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango

Today, in what will probably be known henceforth as The Great Spring of Recalls, Chrysler announced that they will recall 870,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.

Fiat’s American branch received reports a while ago about some brake pedals that were unusually firm. The engineers then found a problem in the brake booster. A crimp joint would rust prematurely, causing the pedal to become harder to push. Since this did not diminish braking power, the part was simply changed under warranty if it was corroded.

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In February though, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contacted Chrysler to inform them of a problem that they had found where water could seep into the rusted crimp joint, and get inside the brake booster. This can cause the booster to break, if the water were to freeze. Chrysler did not see this problem during their investigations.

Not taking any chances over the security of their customers (are you listening, GM?) Chrysler will equip all 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos with a protective shield over the crimp joints. They are also working on a coating to use on new vehicles, to make sure this will not happen again.