Chrysler Group LLC is recalling approximately 11,351 vehicles due to a steering column pivot rivet that may be missing or improperly installed.
According to safercar.org, this vehicle defect jeopardizes the capability of the steering column to support occupant loads during a frontal impact accident, which lowers the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. Consequently, occupants of vehicles with this flaw are at a heightened risk of suffering injury or death in the event of a frontal collision.
The Chrysler vehicles included in the recall are all model year 2011:
- Chrysler 200
- Chrysler 200 Convertible
- Chrysler Town and Country
- Dodge Avenger
- Dodge Caliber
- Dodge Grand Caravan
- Dodge Journey
- Dodge Nitro
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Liberty
- Jeep Patriot
- Jeep Wrangler
Owners of these vehicles are being advised to contact dealers who are expected to inspect the vehicles for rivet presence and either align or repair the steering column pivot if necessary; at no cost to the consumer. The vehicle safety recall is scheduled to start during June 2011 and owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
It is expected that the motor vehicles we drive everyday should be designed and manufactured so as to keep us as safe as possible in the event of an accident, and, not increase the risk of suffering an injury. However, sometimes car manufacturers overlook design or manufacturing flaws before selling their vehicles to the public.
As auto product liability litigation is quite complex, you will need an experienced New Jersey auto design defect lawyer to assist with protecting your rights. For decades, the attorneys at Blume Forte have been obtaining significant recoveries for auto accident victims injured by defective auto products. Contact us at 973-845-4421 for a no-cost consultation to evaluate whether you may have a meritorious claim.