FCA Recalling SUV's For Brake Problems

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles says it is recalling nearly 710,000 sport utility vehicles to check on shields protecting the brake boosters. The shields were a new addition to a bundle of SUVs involved in a 2014 recall and FCA is worried they may have been installed improperly.

The company discovered that units exposed to water were subject to excessive corrosion, resulting in unacceptable brake pedal firmness. Affected vehicles also run the risk of degraded braking performance. FCA says it is aware of at least one accident associated with the problem but noted there were no injuries.

With nearly 95 percent of the recalled vehicles serviced, a review of warranty data led to a secondary investigation that discovered shields on some vehicles had been installed improperly.

In February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration enquired about the status of some of the vehicles and whether they had been repaired under the 2014 recall. Reuters reported that FCA spent the following six-month period conducting extensive testing of the braking issues and effectiveness of the added shielding before deciding on a secondary recall.

FCA says a potential booster issue may be preceded by a warning light or the unexpected activation of the vehicle’s anti-lock braking system. Still, drivers are urged to drive with caution regardless of any indication of a possible malfunction, or lack thereof.

The automaker expects the next round of repairs to apply to about 646,394 Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokees from the 2011 and 2014 model years. However, FCA estimates an additional 42,304 units in Canada and 21,139 cars from Mexico are affected. Customers will be notified that service for this latest campaign is available in early November.