Chrysler has issued a recall for over 469,000 older-model SUVs worldwide. Most of them need a crucial software update, while some other need new dust shields. 532 Ram 1500 pickups trucks also need to be inspected for possible faults with their windshield defrosting and defogging.
Cars affected by the software issue include 469,072 Jeep Commanders and Grand Cherokees, model years 2006-2010 and 2005-2010, respectively. Approximately 295,000 vehicles are in the U.S., 28,500 are in Canada, 4,200 are in Mexico and 141,000 are outside the NAFTA region. Some of the circuit boards in the affected cars may transmit compromised signals that enable inadvertent gearshifts to neutral. The software update will prevent that.
In another recall some 5,330 right-hand-drive SUVs – model-year 2008-2012 Jeep Wranglers – are recalled to get dust shields. The shields are designed to prevent dust buildup on a steering-column-mounted electrical connector. Buildup may cause circuit fatigue and compromise airbag function.
All fixes will be performed at no cost to customers.