Chrysler is addressing a fuel pump issue by recalling 230,760 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs from model year 2011, the majority of which were shipped inside of the U.S.
Approximately 188,700 of the recalled automobiles were shipped inside the U.S., just under 16,000 were sent to Canada and roughly 7,000 were dealt to Mexico, with the 19,000 remaining vehicles landed in other countries.
The fuel pump issue can cause the affected vehicles to have trouble starting or may force them to quit running. The subject vehicles may not start at all or the fuel pumps may continue working after the automobile has been shut off.
Chrysler has said it is unaware of any accidents related to the fuel pump issue in the Cherokees and Durangos. It said it learned of the problem after recognizing a pattern of fuel pump repairs related to the subject SUVs, and announced the recall Sept. 20.
Chrysler said dealers will upgrade the fuel pumps with new relay circuitry. The automaker said it will notify affected customers when repair service is available.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hasn't given indication that it plans to investigate Chrysler's latest recall, but the administration continues to probe the automaker's handling of other call backs.
A year after Chrysler recalled 1.6 million Jeep vehicles, the NHTSA became concerned with the pace at which the automaker was handling the recall process. The subject vehicles have a vulnerability that could cause their fuel tank systems to erupt in fire in the aftermath of a collision.
In July, the NHTSA delivered a special order to Chrysler that demanded a progress report on the recall and evidence supporting the automarker's diligence in addressing the matter. The NHTSA has no intention of letting Chrysler or other manufacturers delay the completion of recall to the detriment of safety, stated the administration in its order to Chrysler.
"For many owners, a recall remedy deferred by parts availability easily becomes a defect remedy denied," stated the NHTSA in the order. "Moreover, additional delays in implementing this recall will inure to Chyrsler's benefit at the expense of vehicle owner safety."
In its response to the NHTSA, Chrysler said it had to find new suppliers in order to complete the recall. Parts production has begun, stated Chrysler in July.
"Our supplier partners are committed to a work schedule of three shifts per day, six days per week, with occasional Sunday production," stated Chrysler. "Chrysler Group has already contacted affected customers and advised them of our intentions. They will be contacted again when the time is appropriate to schedule service. The cost of this work will be borne by the company."
