Chrysler Group's new 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine is
being subjected to its first product recall as debris
left inside the engine block on six models spread
through the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep ranges, could cause
con-rod failure leading to an engine seizure which at
speed could cause a crash. The news comes from
statements released by both the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Chrysler
Group.
According to Chrysler it "is conducting a voluntary
safety recall of 657 Chrysler 200 and Town & Country,
Dodge Journey, Durango, Grand Caravan and Jeep Grand
Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine.
The affected vehicles may exhibit loss of engine power
caused by debris from the manufacturing machining
processes."
“The condition was caught early at the plant during a
scheduled audit and only 657 potentially affected
vehicles were delivered to dealers, the majority of
which have not been sold,” said David Dillon, Head of
Product Investigations and Campaigns.
In a submission to the NHTSA, Chrysler Group says:
"On September 16, an internal investigation was
initiated to evaluate 3.6L engines from Saltillo South
Engine Plant (SSEP) with suspect quality audit results.
Chrysler's investigation determined the root cause to be
block cleanliness leading to hard debris damaging the
connecting rod, main bearings and crankshaft. It was
determined that the suspect engines were built between
August 25 and September 5,2011. It was also determined
that a total of approximately 667 vehicles were built
with the suspect engines and delivered to dealers.
Chrysler Group LLC is unaware of any accidents or
injuries related to this condition. This information was
presented to the Vehicle Regulations Committee on
September 19, 2011, which decided issue a vehicle stop
sale and to conduct a safety recall."
Chrysler Group adds
that it will replace the engines for all affected
vehicles free of charge. All 657 potentially affected
vehicles were sold in the United States. The automaker
adds that it, "will begin sending letters to
approximately 150 retail and fleet customers in October
for a no-charge repair."
