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Chrysler Recalls 350,000 Vehicles for Brake Repair

04/17/96

Chrysler will recall 350,000 cars and trucks built from 1990 to 1993, due to potentially faulty anti-lock brakes. The company claims to have received reports about 60 accidents and 16 injuries due to the problem. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has been investigating the braking system and did not drop the investigation when Chrysler announced the recall. The NHTSA has said that they want more urgency called to the problem.

Mike Brownlee, associate administrator of safety assurances for NHTSA said that the agency was "quite disappointed" that Chrysler has not "adequately described" the safety implications of the situation. Referring to Chrysler's original press release about the recall Brownlee said, "Nowhere is the word safety mentioned."

Chrysler, worried about building a reputation for quality, would not initially describe their effort to repair the braking systems in their vehicles as a formal safety recall. They reversed their decision after meetings with the NHTSA.

The problem affects all vehicles with a Bendix anti-lock braking system manufactured by AlliedSignal. Chrysler stopped using the AlliedSignal product in 1993. The problem arises when a hydraulic pump deteriorates or a seal in the hydraulic control unit wears out. The flaw in the system can lead to a loss of the anti-lock braking system feature, or a loss of power assistance for stopping. The problem doesn't cause a loss of braking ability, but can result in longer stopping distances.

Chrysler's recall will include the following checks, repairs and services:

  • Inspect their vehicles for braking safety problems.
  • Replace malfunctioning anti-lock braking system (ABS) components free of charge.
  • Reimburse owners for previous ABS repairs.
  • Extend the warranty on ABS components to 100,000 miles.

The repair and reimbursement campaign in the United States and Canada covers 275,000 1991-93 minivans, 67,000 1990-93 Chrysler New Yorkers, Chrysler Imperials and Dodge Dynasties and 4,000 Eagle Premiers and Dodge Monacos from 1991-92 model years. Chrysler also said it will inspect and repair up to 4,000 vehicles sold overseas.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel