Chryslers recalled over safety issue
DETROIT — Chrysler Group is recalling 11,351 cars, minivans, and other models because a manufacturing problem can cause the steering wheel to collapse improperly in a collision.
Chrysler told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it doesn’t know of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem. The recall affects 11 of the 20 models Chrysler has on sale for the 2011 model year. NHTSA said on its website yesterday that a missing or incorrectly installed rivet could cause the problem, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Recalled vehicles include the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan and convertible and Town and Country minivan; the Dodge Avenger, Caliber compact car, Caravan, Journey crossover vehicle and Nitro SUV; and the Jeep Compass wagon and Patriot, Liberty, and Wrangler SUVs.
The vehicles were built from mid-April to the middle of May.
Rivets hold the steering column adjustment mechanism in place. If one is missing or misaligned, the steering column may not collapse as designed if the driver’s body hits it during a collision, said Vince Muniga, a Chrysler spokesman.
Dealers will check to make sure the rivet was installed correctly and make repairs free of charge. The company plans to notify dealers and owners in July, according to the documents. Owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA at 888-327-4236.
