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NHTSA investigates FCA for SUVs that roll out of Park

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening a preliminary evaluation into the 2014 Dodge Durango and 2014-205 Jeep Grand Cherokee after 14 complaints of the SUVs rolling out of Park. An estimated 408,000 of them could be affected, if a recall is necessary. All of the current complaints submitted to NHTSA about the issue concern the Grand Cherokee, and the claims allege that the SUV can roll out of Park whether or not the engine is running. Some folks report that they check the indicator each time because the gear sometimes fails to engage. Among the 14 cases, there are five accounts of crashes and three injuries, including a situation with someone allegedly being rolled over. NHTSA's preliminary evaluations are meant to investigate "the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequence" of a reported problem. They don't necessarily lead to a recall. Related Video: INVESTIGATION Subject : Unattended vehicle rollaway Date Investigation Opened: AUG 20, 2015 Date Investigation Closed: Open NHTSA Action Number: PE15030 Component(s): POWER TRAIN All Products Associated with this Investigation Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) DODGE DURANGO 2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 2014-2015 Details Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 14 complaints (VOQs) alleging that after being placed in Park the subject vehicles have then rolled away from their parked position. The unintended motion has occurred with both the engine off and the engine running. ODI has also identified EWR field report data related to the alleged defect. The model year 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles are equipped with an electronic gear selector (shift-by-wire system). The gear selection is made by pressing the shifter-paddle forward or backwards; the shifter does not move along a gate path as with conventional gear selectors. A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to asses the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequence of the alleged defect. The VOQs associated with the opening of this investigation are: 10733158, 10730952, 10683556, 10679497, 10583366, 10725429, 10715401, 10711893, 10676998, 10668651, 10662619, 10662308, 10605865, and 10567538.

SRT partners with Bondurant for performance driving classes

Dodge and Bob Bondurant have announced a new partnership that will see the latter become the former's official high-performance driving school. The deal will see the Bondurant school's entire fleet of nearly 100 vehicles switched over from mostly General Motors products to Dodge Chargers, Challengers, and Vipers. It will give paying customers the chance to drive models like the new Hellcats and even the Viper ACR (for those deemed qualified to drive it) on the track in Arizona. The arrangement won't only benefit Bondurant clients, though. Anyone who buys or leases a new SRT model will get a one-day course at the school, including professional instruction on track. They'll have to pay for their own travel and accommodations, but the instruction will hopefully show more drivers of SRT vehicles how to handle all that muscle they've got at their disposal. DODGE/SRT PARTNERS WITH LEGENDARY BOB BONDURANT SCHOOL OF HIGH PERFORMANCE DRIVING The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving Is Now "The Official High Performance Driving School of Dodge/SRT" - All customers who buy a new 2015 or 2016 model SRT will receive one full-day session of high-performance driving with professional instruction and time on the track as part of the Dodge/SRT package - Bondurant attendees will get to experience the full line of Dodge/SRT vehicles, including the Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger Hellcats - Bondurant's entire fleet of cars is being converted over to Dodge Chargers, Challengers and Vipers - Non-Dodge owners can purchase racing instruction through Bondurant and experience their full line of Dodge SRT vehicles on the track - Racing participants who qualify will get to experience the Dodge Viper ACR, the fastest street-legal Viper track car ever November 3, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - New Dodge/SRT buyers grab your racing shoes and helmets – Dodge is teaming up with the legendary Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving to create "The Official High Performance Driving School of Dodge/SRT." Starting Jan. 1, 2016, Dodge customers who purchase or lease a 2015 or 2016 Dodge/SRT can experience a high-performance driving class with professional instruction and time on the track where they can develop their racing and driving skills in a one-day performance-packed adventure. Dodge will provide the rides – nearly 100 SRT vehicles – including the 707-horsepower Dodge Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcats.

Chrysler recalls 112k family-haulers over airbag controllers

The Basics: Chrysler has issued a recall for an array of minivans and crossovers manufactured in 2007 and 2008. The models affected include the 2009 Dodge Journey, 2008-09 Dodge Grand Caravan, and 2008-09 Chrysler Town and Country. The 2009 Volkswagen Routan, which was manufactured by Chrysler, is also being recalled by FCA. The automaker estimates that 112,001 units in the United States are affected, all told. The Problem: Corrosion in the air bag control unit could prevent the air bags from deploying in the event of a crash, or alternatively deploy prematurely. Chrysler points out that "none of the affected vehicles are equipped with ammonium-nitrate inflators" like those fitted by Takata. Injuries/Deaths: The manufacturer reports seven minor injuries (but no accidents) potentially related to this issue. The fix: Chrysler will replace the air bag control unit, though it has not yet outlined a timeframe for doing so. If you own one: Look for a recall notice in the mail and then schedule service with your local dealership. If you don't receive one, you can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference recall number S07. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Air Bag Control Unit Power Supply Corrosion Report Receipt Date: JAN 29, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V047000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 112,001 Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008, and 2009 Volkswagen Routan vehicles manufactured August 11, 2008, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail. CONSEQUENCE: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.