Chrysler Group announced on Wednesday their second recall in the past month due to a problem with brakes in Jeep Grand Cherokees and Dodge Durangos.
867,795 vehicles, including models from the year 2011 through 2014, are covered in the recall, according to Dallas News.
Consulting company Stout Risius Ross Inc. said in a study that car recalls have increased due to new, more complex models as well as criticism in examination. This recall comes after General Motors Co. Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra's U.S. congressional testimony Tuesday about GM taking over 10 years to fix malfunctioning ignition switches implicated in 13 deaths related to car crashes.
"Clearly the market is very sensitive to recalls after the GM issue," said Vincenzo Longo, strategist at IG Group in Milan. Longo added the announcement from Chrysler "gives investors a reason to sell Fiat stock after it rose yesterday to the highest since 2007."
The recall revolves around brake booster corrosion, in which water can get inside the booster and braking capability becomes frozen and disabled, USA Today reported. 644,354 of the vehicles were sold in the U.S., while the rest were sold in Mexico, Canada and other countries.
Chrysler started an investigation in May 2013 in warranty data and complaints about pedal pressure. The company discovered that the brake boosters have small, compressed joints that, when exposed to water, can be damaged and require extra pedal pressure. The boosters were made by TRW Automotive.
Documents filed from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that Chrysler decided the issue did not need a recall since, despite there being less assist, the brakes met safety standards, USA Today reported. The company also added a coating to the booster in September to prevent water corrosion, which means the recall does not affect 2014 models built later than September.
The recalled vehicles were built from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. Chrysler said the problem is connected to one crash, which did not involve any injuries.
The boosters will be inspected and replaced if necessary, and a shield will be installed over the booster to keep water away from the part's joints, USA Today reported. Chrysler did not mention a reason for the vehicles not receiving the new, updated booster that was installed since September.
