This is part two of a four part safety recall update for the week beginning August 24, 2014. This segment will include one Chrysler and one Ford vehicle, which have been flagged with both a manufacturer’s recall and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall. The NHTSA, in conjunction with major automakers, is currently on a crusade to provide auto consumers and their families with a safer product. Log on to BestRide.com frequently for the latest NHTSA recall updates, automotive news and views, and (literally) millions of new and used car, truck, van, and SUV deals.
Remember to look inside the driver door jamb for the production date (Month/Year) on most vehicles. This will help you to determine whether or not your vehicle is included in a safety recall campaign.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V392000
Chrysler Recall Campaign Number: P37
Vehicles Affected: Certain 2014 Jeep Cherokee, 2014 Dodge Ram 1500, and certain 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. Approximately 15,956 vehicles are expected for inclusion under the provisions of this recall campaign.
Cause: An insufficient weld on one or more rear shocks may allow the shock/s to become detached on the affected end.
Concern: With one end of the shock/s detached from the vehicle, various components could suffer damage. Brake lines, calipers, and/or hoses could be damaged as could tires or fuel lines. In any of these scenarios, the risk of injury to vehicle occupants due to a motor vehicle crash would be increased.
Correction: Chrysler will notify owners with specific instructions for having the vehicle’s shocks inspected and replaced as necessary, free of charge. This recall campaign is expected to begin in August 2014 and vehicle owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
NOTE: Keep your ears open, driver. Listen for strange noises while driving and attend to problem areas immediately. If you own or regularly operate a vehicle that is included in this recall, a visual inspection of the rear shocks should be performed prior to any extended trips. Most automotive repair facilities will inspect this for you free of charge. If a damaged shock is apparent, contact Chrysler to discuss having the vehicle towed in to have the recall repair performed.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V402000
Ford Recall Campaign Number: 14S12
Affected Vehicles: Certain 2014 Ford Fiesta vehicles manufactured from October 25, 2013 through February 27, 2014. Approximately 175 vehicles are expected for inclusion under this recall campaign.
Cause: In some affected vehicles, a manufacturing error could have resulted in a missing layer of adhesive compound. The adhesive compound is used to bond the two halves of the fuel tank together and form a seal.
Concern: The missing adhesive layer could cause a fuel leak from the seam of the tank. Any flammable fuel leak must be considered potentially dangerous, especially in the presence of an ignition source.
Correction: Ford has already began to notify owners with specific instructions for having the affected fuel tanks inspected and replaced as necessary, free of charge. This recall campaign began on July 14, 2014 and is currently underway. Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer care at 1-800-392-3673.
NOTE: Drivers, try to use all of your senses while operating an automobile. If you smell the odor of gasoline, stop the vehicle in a safe place away from inhabited buildings and turn the ignition switch off. Carefully locate the source of the fuel leak and repair it as required. If you own a vehicle that is included under this recall, and you don’t see any fuel leaks, then drive in to your local Ford dealer for repairs. However, if your vehicle is leaking fuel, never attempt to drive it. Have it towed.
