[Fwd: Massive Chrysler recall]

From: Phil Hyde (philh@insync.net)
Date: Mon Jul 07 1997 - 23:34:01 EDT


Got this off of the Mopar Mailing List:

>
> CHRYSLER RECALLING MORE THAN 1.6 MILLION CARS, TRUCKS
>
> Recall
>
> DETROIT (AP) -- Chrysler Corp. is preparing to recall more than 1.6
> million cars and trucks this summer to fix several safety-related
> problems, including faulty air bag controls and minivan lift-gate
> supports.
>
> The seven recalls combined represent the largest such action so far
> this year by one automaker. They come as Chrysler is trying to
> improve a reputation for quality that lags behind that of its major
> competitors.
>
> The largest recall involves about 850,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks
> from model years 1994 through 1997, and 1995-97 Dodge Ram Vans and
> Ram Wagons in the United States, company spokesman Mike McKesson
> said Monday.
>
> The trucks and vans are being recalled because heated transmission
> fluid can melt connections on the fluid lines, causing fluid to
> spray on the exhaust manifold and potentially catch fire. Dealers
> will install new connections that include stainless steel retainers,
> Chrysler said.
>
> Chrysler has received reports of 50 fires believed caused by the
> defect. No injuries were reported, McKesson said.
>
> The air bag problem affects 142,700 cars and trucks made early in
> the 1997 model year. The models are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and
> Wrangler, Dodge Dakota pickup, Dodge and Plymouth Neon subcompact,
> and Dodge Viper sports car.
>
> Dealers will replace the air bag's electronic control unit, which
> may cause the bag to inflate when the ignition is turned off and the
> vehicle is standing still. The problem was discovered when three
> bags deployed on assembly lines.
>
> The automaker has received seven other reports of unintentional
> deployment, which resulted in two minor injuries. McKesson said the
> air bags still function normally in a crash.
>
> Chrysler declined to identify the supplier.
>
> Of the affected vehicles, about 125,000 are in the United States,
> 8,500 are in Canada, 700 are in Mexico and 8,500 are elsewhere,
> McKesson said.
>
> Chrysler also plans to recall 436,000 1992 Dodge Caravans and Grand
> Caravans and Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager minivans in the
> United States because the bolts that attach the lift-gate supports
> can break from fatigue.
>
> The problem has resulted in some minor injuries when the lift gates
> have failed to stay open, but McKesson said he did not know how many
> reports the company had received.
>
> The other recalls include:
>
> -- 148,000 1991-92 Plymouth Sundance and Dodge Shadow cars in the
> United States to replace a driver's seat bolt that can fail.
> Chrysler has received 34 customer complaints, including two reports
> of back strain caused by the failed bolts.
>
> -- 46,000 1992-93 Dodge Colt and Vista, Plymouth Colt and Eagle
> Summit cars and wagons; excess lubrication near the door-latch
> switch covers can cause the switches to malfunction, preventing
> automated seat belts from moving into place.
>
> -- 24,000 1993 Dodge and Plymouth Colts and Eagle Summits to replace
> a shoulder belt guide-rail cable that can become dislodged and
> interrupt normal belt operation.
>
> The Colt and Summit recalls are related to recent recalls of twin
> models made and sold by Mitsubishi Motors Corp. No figures on
> complaints or injuries were available.
>
> -- 1,200 1997 Dodge Avenger, Chrysler Sebring, Eagle Talon and
> Mitsubishi Eclipse cars to replace the front passenger seat-back
> assembly. A faulty weld can allow the head restraint support bracket
> to break.
>
> Chrysler said owners of the affected vehicles should contact their
> dealer after they are notified by mail later this summer. However,
> minivan owners whose lift gates already have failed can take their
> minivans to their dealer for immediate repair, McKesson said.
>
> 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
> All Rights Reserved.
>
>
        

-- 
Phil Hyde - Houston, TX.
work - ephy@ngccorp.com (M-F 8-5)
play - philh@insync.net
www  - http://www.insync.net/~philh (new and improved!)



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