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.

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