Chrysler Recalls 24,000 Vehicles To Fix Defective Brake Part

The troubles that mounted for Chrysler in 2009 may be following them into the New Year.

Chrysler Group, LLC, will recall 24,177 of their 2010 vehicles in order to replace a defective car part that could cause sudden brake failure. This recall is expected to not only cost the company a significant amount of money, but also hurt the automaker’s already tarnished reputation and sales.
The vehicles included in the defective car part recall include 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010 Dodge Avenger, 2010 Dodge Nitro, 2010 jeep Liberty, 2010 Commander SUV, 2010 Grand Cherokee SUV, 2010 Dodge Ram trucks, and 2009 Dodge Ram trucks. Industry experts estimate that making the brake part fix on over 24,000 cars will cost the company $250 million.
Chrysler company officials say that the problem lies with the brake booster rod retaining clips, which are either defective and deformed or, in the case of some of the vehicles, missing altogether. The company discovered this problem during road tests and say that no car accidents or car accident injuries have been reported regarding the brake problem – even though the issue could lead to all-out and without-warning brake failures.
Many of the recalled cars have won design and safety awards, and experts say that the small size of the recall may stop most of the damage that comes with issuing a national defective car part recall, especially in light of the record-breaking Toyota recalls earlier this winter. Those inside the company hope that the recent positive press, stronger sales, and new ad campaigns will offset any negative effects of the national defective product recall.