Transport Canada Calls Attention to Power Steering Related Failure Potential on Select Dodge and Chrysler Vehicles

Photo Credit: Chris Nagy

On Wednesday, April 20th, Transport Canada has informed the public as well as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles of a safety issue the organization has identified on certain Dodge and Chrysler vehicles.

The issue affecting Chrysler 200, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Avenger and Dodge Journey manufactured collectively between 2007 and 2016 relates to a power steering return hose. An investigation in response to over 100 consumer complaints by Transport Canada uncovered there is a potential the hose can fail causing the loss of power steering as well as a risk of fire. Chrysler Sebring/200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles related to the investigation were produced from 2007 to the 2013 model year. Affected Dodge Journey crossover vehicles have been produced since 2009 spanning up to the current 2016 models.

The information provided by Transport Canada on the vehicles of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles are part of a new tool in the arsenal of the government safety and regulatory body. Starting in 2015, the Minister of Transport has gained the authority to inform affected Canadians as well as instruct the manufacturer to pursue greater efforts in addressing safety issues. An action demonstrating a more proactive effort by Transport Canada, similar notification has been issued relating to Nissan and Toyota since the beginning of this year. Nissan's notice related to a 2014 recall on the X-Trail sport utility vehicle while the release of a potential safety issue relating to Toyota's RAV4 second-row seating was promptly acted upon by the manufacturer.

On the day of the announcement, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles have yet to issue a response to the discovered power steering hose safety issue. "Manufactures should know that we have high standards for Canadian vehicles, and we expect them to live up to these standards at all times." said Minister of Transport Marc Garneau who reminds that an option exists to force a recall if absolutely necessary to protect Canadians.

Comments

A Canadian Star Car: Red Green's Possum Van

Clip of Possum Van during a Red Green Show season 1 scene transition. It could be argued that the car someone regularly drives can be reflective of their personality. The level of character traits found in our automobiles can range from subtle to flamboyant as practicality, style, power, brand loyalty and other details are factors influencing our vehicle affection. On the big screen and silver screen, an automobile (frequently popularized as a Star Car) can be used to affirmatively to expand on a human character. Batman’s Batmobile, the Dodge Charger called the ‘General Lee’ in Dukes of Hazzard, the Volvo P1800 featured in the 1960s television version of The Saint, the Aston Martin DB5 driven by James Bond in some of the most famous spy movies are some popular examples where vehicles play a major role in reinforcing the appearance of fictional individuals. Due to the budgetary constraints of Canadian media productions, the presence of native Star Cars is rare. However, one success...

Honda’s Secret 30th Anniversary In Indy Car Racing

Photo Credit: Engine Developments Ltd. Too many times, forgetting an anniversary would end with someone spending time in the proverbial doghouse. This has apparently happened this year as the 2016 Verizon IndyCar Series season concluded with no major celebrations or recognition for what is 30 years since a major current partner of American open wheel racing began participation in the sport. The following article is a collection of the details I’ve learned as well as some insight from engine builder John Judd on what was a quiet 30th anniversary in the Verizon IndyCar Series. During the week where the 30th running of the Canadian street race now known as the Honda Indy Toronto, I was compelled to capture the flavour of the inaugural event. The viewing experience provided me some insight into a period of time where I was too young to absorb auto racing in the manner I do today. A race that featured television coverage with no regular onscreen statistics, the league used a local ...

The 1967 Indy 500: When An STP-Sponsored Turbine Almost Changed Racing

Photo Credit: Uncredited Photographer/IMS LLC Racing has always been the ultimate proving ground for automobiles. Not only has competition promoted innovations big and small, race cars have also influenced overall vehicle appearance. At the 1967 Indianapolis 500, the STP-Paxton TurboCar fielded by the late Andy Granatelli provided a shocking example of how much racing at the speedway evolved over 56 years. Ever since the first 500-mile event was held at the 2.5-mile rectangular oval Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1911, the winning Marmon Wasp with a rearview mirror paved the way for what would be a grand showcase of automotive development. Accompanying “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” advancements in automobile technology showed greater sophistication with every passing decade in the quest for more speed. During the 1920s and 1930s, American race car designer Henry Miller offered groundbreaking engines to the Indianapolis 500. Miller also gave front-wheel drive technology it...

Car FYI

Search This Blog