![Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti-veyron-swim-1258147199_143x85.jpg)
Bad brakes cause Jeep to recall 28k vehicles
Those of you rolling in a new 2007 or 2008 Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee, take note. Chrysler is recalling 28,755 vehicles due to front-brake calipers made out of gray iron, instead of ductile iron, which could cause the clamper to fracture and cease halting forward progress.
The recall affects models built between May 17 and July 13, and we'd expect Chrysler LLC to have letters in the mail as you read this. Currently, there have been no crashes as a result of the problem.
[Source: Detroit News]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Mark 6:02PM (9/21/2007)
Well at least they are being proactive!
Reply
punkinmood 2:52PM (9/21/2007)
Defects caused during manufacturing is one thing. Defects happen in all manufacturing industries. However, using Gray Iron instead of Ductile Iron is NOT a manufacturing defect. Some hotshot at Chryler thought this was a good way to save money & nobody caught it.
This is more of a Design/Engineering fault. And if Chrysler gets a bad rap out of this, then it is rightfully so. Domestics need to concentrate on quality. Period.
Reply
Hotrod 2:59PM (9/21/2007)
"However, using Gray Iron instead of Ductile Iron is NOT a manufacturing defect. Some hotshot at Chryler thought this was a good way to save money & nobody caught it."
Yeah, right after they got done helping the government with the fake moon landing.
This is an likely and ordering error. Someone marked "#PN-3567" instead of "#PN-3657" or similar.
sw 3:25PM (9/21/2007)
Ordered the wrong part and then installed it 28,755 X 2 (assuming just the front tires needed it) and not a single soul noticed????
That doesn't wash. Someone was trying to save a buck.
On the other hand it's very good they're being pro-active and not waiting for any incidents to happen.
Mal Fuller 2:53PM (9/21/2007)
Anyone want to bet against my guess that these crack open calipers came from China?
Reply
Barney 5:35PM (9/21/2007)
How much? Are you now going to blame China for everything that goes wrong? That's an easy way out.
Mal Fuller 6:01PM (9/21/2007)
Gee Barney, I'm just speculating based on the reputation that Chinese manufacturers are making for themselves. Have you followed all the news about quality and material issues with Chinese goods? We may never know whether it was your defense or my speculation that was off of the mark in this particular case.
joe23521 7:36PM (9/21/2007)
This doesn't sound to me like a problem with the manufacture. It's a design/engineering flaw.
As a side note, did you read that Mattel publicly apologized to China and admitted that the majority of the recent toy recalls was due to design issues as opposed to manufacturing problems?
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/09/21/mattel.apology.ap/index.html
Barney 9:31PM (9/21/2007)
"Have you followed all the news about quality and material issues with Chinese goods?'
That's the problem Mal. North Americans are blaming China for the goods they have them make. It's an easy out if those same people blow it themselves. The Chinese aren't standing up and saying "This is what they told us to make." It is getting to easy to blame the Chinese.
Mal Fuller 2:59PM (9/21/2007)
Where did my nice Hudson grille ornament go? I hate the cheesy JC Whitney tachometer that's in its place. Seems as if everyone has one too!
Reply
Mal Fuller 3:00PM (9/21/2007)
It's back!
Reply
Paul B 3:02PM (9/21/2007)
Jeep- experience nature up close-
The 4 wheel drive will get you any where.
The brakes will get you wrapped around a tree!
Reply
eevsal 3:08PM (9/21/2007)
HAAAA! That's what you get for being a proud owner of a Jeep.
Reply
MadeinDetroit 3:19PM (9/21/2007)
In my opinion, they should have used pearlitic malleable iron.
Reply
MKIV 3:16PM (9/21/2007)
I blame Jim Press!
Reply
porker 3:17PM (9/21/2007)
If this were a toyota recall, I'm sure it would be, first, all the fault of a "supplier", then, second, the fault of those clueless customers that dared to use the brakes to attempt to stop their vehicles!
Reply
MKIV 3:25PM (9/21/2007)
Right!!! IF your aunt had balls she'll be your uncle...
Why in the world do you feel the need to bring Toyota to this conversation? Does your little world revolve around Toyota or you have a 1" penis complex?
All_Engine 4:49PM (9/21/2007)
thanks for taking a joke seriously, MKIV
Barney 5:38PM (9/21/2007)
Just how did Toyota get in this picture?
h8rain 3:42PM (9/21/2007)
Isn't the Grand Cherokee the same as the Durango (just the body is different)? Why no recall on them?
Reply