SC Defective Products Lawyer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating claims relating to 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokees and 2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500s.
The NHTSA, the official automobile safety regulators, have opened a defect investigation claim into the Chrysler Group LLC’s two best-selling vehicles in the U.S. A defect investigation precedes a full vehicle safety recall.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The NHTSA is investigating power steering hose failures in 106,800 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokees. These hose failures could potentially lead to under-hood fires in the vehicles. The official statement from the NHTSA’s Office of Defect Investigation states that the power steering hose on the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee could fail, leading to power steering leaking in the engine compartment. This could cause the fluid to ignite when it touches a hot surface in the engine compartment.
With the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee the NHTSA has received:
- One complaint of power steering return hose failure
- Additional incidents of power steering hose failure in field reports
- Two reports of alleged engine compartment failure in the past month, causing total vehicle loss.
- One report of “fluid dripping beneath the vehicle during the incident”
In regards to the two reported fires, the NHTSA has yet to release a formal cause, stating “the cause as yet undetermined”.
2009-2010 Dodge Ram 1500
The NHTSA is also investigating rear differential failures in 230,000 2009 and 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The failures could potentially lead to rear wheel lock-up and loss of vehicle control. In total, the NHTSA has received 12 complaints of rear differential failures resulting in rear wheel lock-up. Among these complaints, one resulted in a vehicle crashing into a concrete barrier. Another complaint resulted in a drive shaft failure causing the detached shaft end to puncture the fuel tank in the vehicle.
Chrysler spokesperson, Eric Mayne, has responded to the claims by saying, “Chrysler Group takes seriously all customer complaints and is cooperating fully with the NHTSA.” Mayne recommends any customers who have concerns to contact dealers directly.
Chrysler Group is majority-owned by Italy’s Fiat SpA. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first of Chrysler vehicles to be redesigned and released under Fiat’s management. Fiat bought Chrysler after the automaker declared bankruptcy in 2009.
If you own a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2009, or 2010 Dodge Ram 1500, stay tuned for recall updates. Right now, no official recall has been issued, but that does not mean a recall cannot be issued in the future.
SC Defective Products Lawyer
If you have been involved in an accident resulting from a defective product, contact a SC defective products lawyer at the Strom Law Firm today. The Strom Law Firm represents clients in South Carolina and, in some instances, throughout the United States. If you have been injured resulting from a defect in your vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Call the Strom Law Firm for a free consultation. 803.252.4800.
