03.10.2011 FIRST RECALL FOR NEW "PENTASTAR V6" AS INTERNAL DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEIZURE

CHRYSLER GROUP 3.6 LITRE PENTASTAR V6
CHRYSLER GROUP 3.6 LITRE PENTASTAR V6

Chrysler Group's new 'Pentastar' V6 engine is being subjected to its first recall as debris inside the block on 6 models from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep could cause con-rod failure leading to an engine seizure which at speed could cause a crash.

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."

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