Dodge Journey MPVs Recalled for Steering Issues

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has announced a recall affecting more than 187,000 Dodge Journey SUVs in North America. According to a news report in the Dispatch Tribunal, this move comes days after a report by Transport Canada confirmed a potential issue with Dodge Journey multi-purpose passenger vehicles. Canada’s regulatory authority found potential issues with certain other Chrysler and Dodge models such as the 2007-2013 Sebring, 2011-2013 Chrysler 200 and 2007-2013 Dodge Avenger passenger cars. But Fiat Chrysler has yet to announce a recall for those vehicles.

Steering Fluid Leaks

According to the automaker, some of those vehicles may have problems with their power steering fluid lines, which could make these crossover vehicles more difficult to steer. This recall is limited to vehicles that are equipped with optional block heaters. FCA says that in those vehicles some lines carrying power-steering fluid may leak at engine start-up, when the vehicle is subject to extreme cold.

The automaker says the leakage will not prevent drivers from being able to steer their vehicles, but it could make much more difficult or even physically demanding, leading to a crash in some situations. So far, FCA says, it hasn’t received any reports of accidents or injuries related to these vehicles. The automaker will mail recall notices to owners when the replacement parts become available. Until that time, owners with questions are asked to call FCA US Customer Care Center at (800) 853-1403.

The Danger of Steering Problems

Steering systems in vehicles are extremely complex. A malfunctioning power steering could cause a vehicle to swerve or the driver to lose control, leading to a serious injury crash. When a power steering fails completely, the wheels become terribly difficult or impossible to turn. Steering failure could also cause vehicles to drift into oncoming lanes of traffic, causing devastating head-on collisions.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash caused by a steering defect, it is critical that you contact an auto defect law firm that has a reputation of successfully handling defective automobile cases. Such a law firm will have the resources to conduct independent investigations such as crash tests and accident reconstruction, which could be critical in proving auto defects. It is also important that you preserve the vehicle in its current condition, unaltered, so an expert can thoroughly examine it for defects, malfunctions and design flaws.