2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
Chrysler is conducting a voluntary safety recall of certain 2012 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles equipped with the Pentastar 3.6-liter engine over concerns about debris in the engine block.
A notice on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) site lists the number of potential affected vehicles at 667. Vehicles affected include 2012 Chrysler 200 and Town & Country models, Dodge Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey models, and Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with the 3.6-liter engine. Affected vehicles were manufactured from August 31, 2011 through September 13, 2011.
The NHTSA notice says that these engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure as a result of debris in the engine block. Should the connecting rod bearing fail, this could lead to engine seizure, which may increase crash risk.
As noted in TheCarConnection, the recent build dates suggest that many of the affected vehicles are either on dealer lots or in-transit. That means most will not have been delivered yet to customers.
On its website, Chrysler says it is not aware of any actual failures in customers’ hands, injuries or property damage related to this issue.
Chrysler will notify owners of affected vehicles and will replace the 3.6-liter engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during October 2011.
In the meantime, owners of 2012 model year Chrysler 200 and Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles with any questions or concerns may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Reference the Chrysler safety recall number L33.
Alternatively, owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. Refer to the NHTSA Campaign ID No.11V487000.
2012 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Vehicles: Recall Alert
