Recalls bedevil GM, Ford, Lincoln, Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler

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This month has been tough for FCA (Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge), Ford (and Lincoln), and Chevy/GMC with large recalls including popular trucks and SUVs. If you own one of these vehicles and were the original purchaser you can expect to receive a notification. If you purchased the vehicle used, it is your responsibility to follow up with the manufacturer.

You can also do aVIN  check at safecar.com to see if there are open recalls on any vehicle.  Be sure to do this on any used vehicle that you are thinking of purchasing or selling.

FCA (Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep)

2014 – 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 2012 – 2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles are being recalled becaue of an issue with electronically-controlled shift levers.  Regulators said that the shifter is not intuitive and may cause drivers to misjudge the gear that the vehicle is in.  There have been more than 300 incidents in which vehicles have rolled — particularly when the driver thought the vehicle was in park.

There have been accidents and injuries attributable to the problem.  There is a fix in place in which the company will beef up the warning systems and modify the transmission in the affected vehicles.  This issue has already been addressed on newer models.

Contract a dealer or go online to find out how to proceed.

Ford and Lincoln

Today, Ford announced recalls for about 285,000 trucks and SUVs, specifically the 2011 – 2012 F-150 (I have one of those), 2012 Ford Expedition, Mustang and Lincoln Navigator.

The recall is caused by a transmission problem that affects the output speed sensor on the transmission lead frame. This appears to be a transmission control output sensor in the powertrain control module with a software problem that causes abrupt downshifts to first gear which can cause the rear tires to slide or lock up.

There is a fix that allows dealers to inspect the affected module and upgrade software if no diagnostic trouble codes found.  Ford also says that it will replace the lead frame on vehicles that have fewer than 150,000 miles.

To find out via the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) call 800-392-3673 for Ford vehicles and 800-521-4140, or try askford.com.

General Motors

2014 and 2015 Chevy Silverados and GMC Sierra pickups are the subject of a recall involving a seat belt problem caused by a defective steel cable that can wear out over time causing them to snap.  This is a very large recall and should be addressed by contacting your dealer, Chevrolet or GMC to see how to proceed with a fix for your vehicle.

There are more than one million trucks affected by this recall.

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