Recall: 2009 Dodge Ram/Journey

[rickaren]

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
DODGE / RAM 2008-2009

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC Mfr's Report Date: MAR 09, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V084000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Potential Number of Units Affected: 72136

Summary:
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 72,136 MY 2008-2009 LIGHT AND HEAVY DUTY RAM PICKUP TRUCKS. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE MOTOR ASSEMBLY MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER INTRUSION THAT COULD RESULT IN PARTIAL OR COMPLETE LOSS OF WINDSHIELD WIPING CAPABILITY.

Consequence:
WHEN THE WIPER SYSTEM FAILS, THE OPERATOR WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MODULE ASSEMBLIES WITH VENTED WIPER MOTOR HOUSINGS FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes:
CHRYSLER RECALL NO. J10. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
DODGE / JOURNEY 2009

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER LLC Mfr's Report Date: MAR 09, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V082000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 16852

Summary:
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 16,852 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY EQUIPPED WITHOUT OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET. AN UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET OPTION MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence:
IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTOR COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE AND STOW THE 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR AND PULL THE 25 AMP FUSE TO REMOVE POWER FROM THIS UNUSED CIRCUIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

[rickaren]

Chrysler Announces Third Recall for 2009 Dodge Journey

Date posted: 03-23-2009

WASHINGTON — Chrysler has announced the third and largest recall for its 2009 Dodge Journey. The automaker is recalling 16,852 2009 Dodge Journey SE models because an unused electrical connector could overheat and potentially catch fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Chrysler recalled 6,692 2009 Journey vehicles equipped with a 3.5-liter engine last July because the engine wiring harness may contact the left transaxle mount, resulting in an engine compartment fire. Chrysler recalled the Journey in a larger recall involving several of its models last November, too. That recall involved a problem with a new adhesive used in the powertrain control module manufacturing process that can cause the printed circuit board to break. This defect could cause the engine to stall.

Chrysler can ill afford questions about quality. The federal government is in the process of scrutinizing Chrysler's restructuring plans, a process which will determine if the automaker can get more federal loans.

The most recent recall involves models without the optional 115-volt auxiliary power outlet.

"An unused electrical connector for the optional 115-volt auxiliary power outlet option may become corroded and could short-circuit," said NHTSA in its recall summary of the problem. "If the fuse for this circuit does not blow, the connector could overheat and potentially catch fire."

The unused connector is stowed beneath the driver seat under the carpet and may be susceptible to moisture, said Chrysler in documents filed with the federal watchdog. Chrysler said it has received six reports of melted connectors; in two of these reports, evidence "indicates the presence of localized flames at the connector." The automaker said it has received no reports of injuries or fatalities.

The recall involves Journey SE models built between July 11, 2008, and February 9, 2009. An estimated 100 percent of Journey SE models from that time frame are said to have the defect.

Dodge dealers will reroute and stow the 115-volt auxiliary power outlet connector and pull the 25-amp fuse to remove power from the unused circuit for free. The recall will begin sometime in March. Owners may contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

LINK:Chrysler Announces Third Recall for 2009 Dodge Journey