Software Glitch Causes Recall of 43,000 PT Cruisers and Jeep Grand Cherokees

DETROIT - This article by AP reported that DaimlerChrysler has recalled 43,000 of its latest Chrysler PT Cruisers and Jeep Grand Cherokees because of a potential problem that could disable gauges and warning lights, the federal government reported.

A software error in the 2002 models of both vehicles can occur in the microprocessor for the instrument cluster, which controls the majority of the vehicle's gauges, illumination lamps, and warning lamps, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday.

Under certain conditions, the NHTSA said, the instrument cluster could stop working, distracting the driver and increasing the risk of a crash.

No accidents or injuries have been attributed to the problem, DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Angela Ford said Thursday.

Vehicles affected were built between July and August of this year, NHTSA said.

Notices to owners were sent in October, Ford said. Those affected should bring their vehicles to a Chrysler or Jeep dealer where the microprocessor will be repaired.