FCA Recalls Almost 710,000 SUVs Over Previously Fixed Rotting Brake Boosters
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.
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.
[Image: FCA]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Just stick brembo brakes on everything ..but they probably screw that up too
Just last week we bought our first SUV. I never even considered an FCA car. I just couldn't put $40,000 worth of confidence in them.
Who actually needs brake boosters? Power assisted brakes are for wimps. Personally, I disconnect the brake booster vacuum line on all of my vehicles. With all of the needless brake stabbing going on in traffic these days, I think everyone could benefit from a national day of unassisted braking. Just think of the potential fuel savings. Brake less. Drive more.
Fiat seems perfectly content being a sub prime automaker. Every brand under their umbrella gets a garbage rating.