WASHINGTON (AP-CP) _ Chrysler LLC said Friday it would recall
nearly 300,000 sport utility vehicles to address potential braking
problems while driving uphill.
In a separate move, Honda Motor Co. said it was recalling more
than 180,000 Civics from the 2006-2007 model year to fix a
wheel-bearing seal that could leak and lead to a wheel falling off
the car.
All of the Honda vehicles were produced in Alliston, Ont., said
company spokesman Richard Jacobs. ``Eighty per cent of our vehicles
are exported to the United States.''
The Chrysler recall involves more than 156,000 Jeep Grand
Cherokees and Commander SUVs from the 2006-2007 model years, more
than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and nearly 50,000 2007 Dodge
Nitro SUVs.
Chrysler spokesman Max Gates said the automaker had received
about 20 complaints of vehicles experiencing a delay in braking when
drivers tried to come to a stop after coasting uphill. To fix the
problem, the computer connected to the antilock brake system will be
reprogrammed.
There has been one crash tied to the issue and no injuries
reported, Gates said. Owners will be notified by mail beginning
later this month.
In Honda's recall, the automaker said in an Aug. 30 letter to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the seal where
the antilock brake sensor mounts to the rear wheel bearing could
allow moisture and salt to leak into the wheel bearing and cause
corrosion.
The conditions could lead to a wheel falling off and a crash,
Honda said.
The automaker has received two complaints related to the problem,
including one in which a wheel came off the vehicle while it was
being towed, said spokesman Chris Naughton. No injuries have been
reported.
Owners were being notified of the recall this month and can
contact Honda at (800) 999-1009 for more information.
Separately, Chrysler said it was recalling 72,333 Dodge Avenger
sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles from the 2008 model year to
address problems with the front door latches and locks.
Gates said the company discovered problems with opening the
vehicle doors through its internal monitoring program. No accidents
or injuries have been reported and owners are expected to be
notified of the recall next month.
For more information, owners can contact Chrysler at (800)
853-1403.
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On the Net:
Chrysler LLC: http://www.chrysler.com/en/
Honda Motor Co.: http://automobiles.honda.com/