Chrysler (FCA US) announced two recalls involving over 15,000 trucks and SUVs for problems related to power steering and braking.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango Recall
Chrysler (FCA US) is recalling over 14,700 model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs because the front brake calipers can break. Chrysler blames the problem on a supplier that manufactured the caliper with the wrong materials.
In January 2016, a supplier had a machine failure that caused parts of be incorrectly manufactured. FCA opened an internal investigation after the supplier notified the automaker about a left front caliper that failed during a test. Additional tests showed the caliper housing falls below specification on torque fatigue and pressure fatigue tests.
A driver may see leaking brake fluid, illumination of the low brake fluid warning light and reduced brake performance.
FCA says the recalled 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs were manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016.
Chrysler doesn't know when the recall will begin, so keep an eye on the brake fluid light until the SUV is repaired. Jeep and Dodge dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, the caliper may be replaced.
Owners of the 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403 and give them recall number S16.
Ram 1500 Recall
FCA US is also recalling 442 trucks that can lose their power steering. The 2015-2016 Ram 1500 trucks can lose their power steering assist due to electrical shorts of a circuit board.
Chrysler says contamination on the side of the electric power steering control unit circuit board can cause partial or complete loss of power steering.
The automaker tracked down the problem to a supplier that had produced the circuit boards on a specific day where the contamination occurred. The contamination on the circuit board can cause electrical shorts in the control circuit components and cause the loss of power steering. A driver will notice a malfunction warning light and a steering wheel that is difficult to turn, especially while traveling at slow speeds.
The recalled Ram 1500 trucks were built January 22, 2015, to September 13, 2015.
Chrysler doesn't know when the Ram 1500 truck will begin, but dealers will fix the power steering problem by replacing the electric power steering control unit.
Owners of the 2015-2016 Ram 1500 who have questions can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's Ram 1500 recall number is S19.
CarComplaints.com has complaints you can read about the Ram 1500, Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.