Chrysler Announces Six Recalls Affecting 260 Thousand Vehicles

AUBURN HILLS, MI -- (WWJ) A series of small problems leading to six separate recalls at Chrysler. Most of the recalls are fairly minor issues, ranging from lights that don't work, to vehicles that can run out of gas without warning. Chrysler says they know of one accident, and no injuries.

"Chrysler Group LLC is constantly testing vehicles to find and fix issues before our customers experience a problem," said Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne. "Of the most recent recalls affecting 2013 models, nearly 70% of the implicated vehicles were still on dealer lots. Repair campaigns for all affected vehicles are in progress."

Chrysler released a rundown of specific actions:

Warning Light

About half of the vehicles being recalled have possible issues with warning lights.

These are large cars, including the Chrysler 300, the Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger. All were assembled between Apriil and December of 2011.

Chrysler says that a small number of customers reported intermittent airbag warning-light illumination. An investigation by Chrysler Group engineers led to the discovery of a seat side-airbag wiring harness terminal that did not meet specification.

Fuel-Tank Transfer Tube

Jeep Compass and Patriot models from 2011 and 2012 are being recalled to fix an issue with the fuel tank transfer tubes.

Chrysler says it's engineers discovered that the tubes didn't maintain the proper shape. That could restrict fuel flow, causing the vehicles to stall.

One accident has been reported related to this issue.

Rear Brake Calipers

This recall effects 52 2013 Dodge Darts. The company says they were all built during the same 24 hour period in November.

The vehicles have brake calipers that don't meet specifications.

Engine Cover

Seven thousand 2013 heavy-duty Ram pickups (2500 and 3500 models) are being recalled to replace a cover for the diesel engine. Chrysler says that cover has less heat resistance than intended.

Chrysler says the vast majority of these pickups are still on dealer lots. Only 550 have been sold to customers.

Tunnel Shield

This recall effects Dodge Nitros and Jeep Libertys from the 2007 and 2008 model years. All totalled 78,500 vehicles are effected.

Chrysler says a heat shield that can loosen and contact the driveshaft causing wear and possible breakage over time. That can cause the vehicle to stall.

There have been forty complaints, Chrysler says.

Parking Brake Cable

Ninety three hundred 2013 Ram pickups are being recalled to, Chrysler says, inspect their parking brakes and, if necessary, reset them according to specification.

Chrysler says a routine internal audit of 2013 Ram 1500 pickups discovered a small number of vehicles whose parking brakes did not comply with mandated performance standards.

This puts the vehicles at risk of rolling away, if they are parked on a steep hill.

In all of the recalls, owners will recieve specific instructions in the mail.