Share

Huge Jeep recall hits SA

<b>JEEP RECALL HITS SA:</b> Chrysler will recall 4260 Jeeps in South Africa from July 2013. <i>Image - Chrysler</i>
<b>JEEP RECALL HITS SA:</b> Chrysler will recall 4260 Jeeps in South Africa from July 2013. <i>Image - Chrysler</i>
JOHANNESBURG - Wheels24 reported on Thursday that Chrysler would be recalling nearly 435 000 Jeeps to fix air bag and transmission fluid leaks - turns out South African owners are affected.

This recall follows a separate story published on June 3 2013, in which Wheels24 reported that Chrysler had rejected a US safety agency's request to recall as many as 2.7-million Jeep SUVs to fix an alleged fire risk.

Chrysler will recall more than 254 000 Patriots and Compasses built between 2010-12 in the US due to airbag issues. It's also recalling more than 180 000 Jeep Wranglers (2012-13 units) to fix transmission fluid leaks.

'NO COST TO CUSTOMERS'

Chrsyler SA's media liaison manager, Richard Sloman, reports that South Africa will be affected.

Sloman said 4260 of its 2010-12 Jeep Patriot and Compass would be recalled to correct an issue with the "occupant restraints control module".

Sloman said: "About 4260 units are affected locally. Software upgrades will be performed at no cost to customers. Affected customers will be notified directly."

According to an official statement by Chrysler US: "The upgrade was deemed necessary after it was discovered that seat-belt pre-tensioners and side-curtain airbags might not function properly during slow-developing rollovers.

"The affected models, 2010-12 Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs, are equipped with sensor-activated restraint systems that deploy when a rollover appears imminent. The Chrysler Group is unaware of any injuries, accidents or complaints associated with this issue."

FLUID LEAKS, TRANSMISSION WOES

According to Chrysler, software errors in Patriot and Compass models could cause late deployment of the side air bags and seat-belt tightening mechanisms. A power-steering line can wear a hole in the transmission oil cooler on its Wrangler models powered by 3.6 V6 engines. The SUVs can leak fluid, damaging the transmission, reports Chrysler.

Both model recalls will commence in July 2013.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE