If you own a 2007 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep listen up, because you're likely affected by Chrysler's latest recall. DaimlerChrysler is bringing home more than 68,000 vehicles to reprogram balky brake computers.
The 11 affected models are 2007 versions of the Sebring, 300, Charger, Magnum, Caliber, Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Nitro and Compass. Whew.
Chrysler says computers in the recalled vehicles' could fail, leading to a loss of antilock brakes, traction control and speedomter functions. We don't remember much from our drivers' ed class, but we're pretty sure brake failure is hardly ever a good thing. Thankfully DC says nobody's been hurt yet.
Oh, and you Sebring drivers must have broken a mirror or something. While one team of crack DC mechanics gives your car a brain transplant, another team will be reteaching it to defrost your windshield. So take a book or something. That particular recall affects about 6,000 new Sebrings.
[Source: Reuters]
Reader Spy: Chevy Volt caught on set of Transformers 2
Spy Shot: Production interior of Chevy Volt (maybe)
Rumormill: Lexus LF-A... Stillborn?
Ford reveals 2010 Mustang badge
REPORT: Chrysler may sell Dodge Viper rather than kill it
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Nissan Murano
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Dodge Journey R/T
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Jeep Compass Sport 4x2
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Carrera S
First Drive: 2009 Honda Fit Sport
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Crappy American Cars @ Dec 23rd 2006 2:18PM
Not even the Germans can fix American crap. Another reason why Toyota and Honda are better buys.
tim @ Dec 23rd 2006 2:25PM
#1, you suck. you should consider living abroad, traitor.
Nick @ Dec 23rd 2006 2:55PM
#1: How very Left Lane News of you.
Rolf B @ Dec 23rd 2006 3:01PM
#1 as I remember didn't Toyota just have a larger recall on far more models... mmm... yes.
drolds1 @ Dec 23rd 2006 3:49PM
"There are none so blind as those who will not see." Toyota had the most recalls of any carmaker in 2006.
Looks like Toyota has its hands full enough fixing its own crap.
6 @ Dec 23rd 2006 3:55PM
#2 is as much of a dipshit as #1
/thread
Guy @ Dec 23rd 2006 3:57PM
To #2, #3 & #4: recall for brake problems that's very serious. It's not about how many cars recalled but what the recall is about!
American cars are not bad ones, otherwise they won't be doing well abroad. It's the management in this country that sucks. So telling the facts as they are shouldn't be considered treason! Unfortunately, this word is being used a lot these days by people who can't tell the difference between treason and self-criticism (the latter being a positive thing; it helps us stay #1). We should call on the US auto executives to resign and allow for change. A good CEO would not allow his pockets to get fatter while the quality of his products is getting worse and worse... Is it treason to say that?
AR @ Dec 23rd 2006 4:29PM
It's only the computers that are screwed up right? Not a big deal. I mean isn't Toyota the recall king?
Bunch of dumbasses (#'s 2,3 and 4)
Step Musial @ Dec 23rd 2006 4:40PM
#7 buy some stock and oust your executives, otherwise buy the car you like as most us do. Not one problem or incident reported yet, get a grip.
ramsport47 @ Dec 23rd 2006 4:43PM
hmmm...lemme see...68K cars spread amongst 11 models. Plus, as I read in a story about Toy recalls...the key word is VOLUNTARY LOL. Software is an easy fix people...don't be calling them junk because of a software glitch
Gardiner Westbound @ Dec 23rd 2006 4:54PM
Malfunctioning brakes are not a trivial matter. If Chrysler hadn't offered to recall the cars it would have been a mandatory recall faster than you can say NHTSA.
the friendly grizzly @ Dec 23rd 2006 5:14PM
And all this time I thought the Herrenfolk auf Daimler Benz were going to bring perfection after they got rid of all those mongrel, inferior, American techniques and engineers.
epilonious @ Dec 23rd 2006 5:29PM
Sounds a lot like the issue with the "speed sending unit". I remember an early nineties Caravan I rode in having issues with the speedometer suddenly becoming jumpier than a caffeinated springer spaniel, made the Cruise control completely useless. Nice to see they are pulling them in en masse to fix it, however. Otherwise, the brakes are still going to work, it's just that the ABS and traction control light would probably come on and send it into the dealer anyways
John @ Dec 23rd 2006 5:30PM
Toyota did not have a bunch of serious safety recalls.
Toyota had non-safety related service campaigns for non-safety related product defects, which are not required by USA laws to be fixed.
We all have purchased defective products before, but if they are not safety related, there's no obligation for the manufacturer to fix it.
Either way, Toyota, Chrysler and Ford suck.
Buy GM. The all new Saturn Aura and Saturn Outlook.
Paul @ Dec 23rd 2006 7:27PM
boycott american made products
TigerMil @ Dec 23rd 2006 8:03PM
RTFM. A computer failure leading to loss of antilock brakes, traction control, and speedometer function is not fatal. So you don't have antilock brakes...neither do most racecars and at least one of my older cars. Loss of speedo function can be problematic but again not fatal. Drive with the traffic.
Only one problem here is that ABS cars may have stronger rear brakes than would otherwise be the case without ABS (larger slave pistons generally) because the ABS can compensate for rear wheel lockup. However, not knowing the specific design on the ChryCo cars I'll just let it go.
As should we all.
rls @ Dec 23rd 2006 8:36PM
#14 so boycott honda and toyota? they are made in USA. I work for Lexus I'm a tech. for them and they have their fair share of recalls oh sorry we call them campaigns at work.
AJ @ Dec 23rd 2006 8:45PM
I am in total shock that Chrysler has pawned off over 6000 Sebrings. If there is a salesman on the face of the earth that sells more than 40 of those he is my hero.
Typical walk-around pitch: "Don't worry about that, we'll have someone come clean up the vomit as soon as we come back to the showroom."
fordmatt21 @ Dec 23rd 2006 11:00PM
i would just like to add that the FORD fusion has not had any recalls, voluntary or mandatory, in its two year run so far
Derek @ Dec 24th 2006 12:52AM
I would have to agree with #2.... Every company had to make a recall at some point of time. For the 90s imports were better but Americans is on strong comeback