ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS

Sep 07, 2006 — Recall Campaign #06V341000

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 4,770 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

06V341000

Manufacturer:	Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Recall date:	September 07, 2006
NHTSA Campaign #:	06V341000
Units affected:	4,770

Description:: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE CAN CAUSE A MOMENTARY LOCK UP OF THE DRIVE WHEELS IF THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING OVER 40 MPH AND THE OPERATOR SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL AND BACK TO DRIVE.
Consequeces:: IF THE DRIVE WHEELS LOCKED UP, LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Corrective action:: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 2, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Notes:: DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. F43. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Affects the following:

2007 CHRYSLER 300 Complaints
The contact owns a 2007 Chrysler 300. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact's granddaughter was a passenger in the vehicle. The check engine warning light and the Electronic Throttle Control warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine revved abnormally, and the vehicle started to move forward independently. The contact depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard. The contact used force to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that after a while, the vehicle returned to function as intended; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic light or stop sign, the brake pedal and accelerator pedal needed to be simultaneously depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the PCV vacuum hose had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact's brother inspected the vehicle and noticed that the PCV vacuum hose was not connected to the upper intake manifold and that the hose had a two-inch split at one of the ends of the hose. The contact's brother reconnected the hose. The contact stated that the dealer was supposed to have replaced the hose. The failure was progressively worsening, and the vehicle was no longer being driven. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via certified mail. The failure mileage was 174,862.;
2007 DODGE CHARGER Complaints
The engine in my vehicle (2007 Charger, 49,000 miles) has completely failed due to "Casting Sand Sludge". This issue has been acknowledged by FCA Stellantis; but only in much newer engines. The failure in my vehicle, from the "casting sand sludge" caused the vehicle to have engine heat issues, which could have started a fire or resulted in the complete seizure of the engine at speed, potentially leading to a catastrophic and fatal outcome. The fact that the issue is present in my vehicle strongly indicates that FCA Stellantis was aware of the Casting Sand Sludge issue far earlier than they have acknowledged. The Service center suspected a head gasket issue, so they began to address it; what they found was casting sand sludge throughout the engine block. An issue which is an inherent defect of manufacturing, which is unknowable to a unsuspecting owner - until a total failure occurs. This issue would also coincidentally constitute a breach of the "implied Warranty Of Merchantability", as the issue makes affected vehicles not fit for their intended purpose. The Service Center that found the defect is an Authorized FCA Stellantis Dealer/Service Provider. The Service Manager has had an "Conference Call" with an Area Service Manager & A Service Technical Advisor. The Service Manager has indicated that it is casting sand & has told me that if the manufacturer has him send them the engine that i what he is putting on the report. He has told me that he feels that the manufacturer likely will try to bury the issue by attempting a "Forced Buyout". Cursory, research by myself has found that Casting Sand in the presence of H.O.A.T or O.A.T. coolant & heat forms a sludge which over time {40,000 to 55,000 miles} renders an engine unusable, risking catastrophic failure or fire. LX Platform vehicles of the era 2005-2009 were considered "Durable for intended purpose for 150,000 to 300,000 miles". Casting Sand left in the engine block, during manufacture, violates that durability;
2007 DODGE DAKOTA Complaints
The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Dakota. The contact stated that a dealer technician came to the contact’s residence and performed an air bag recall repair. Following the repair, the vehicle became inoperable. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and that a burning odor was coming from the area near the air bag. The battery warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.;
2007 DODGE DURANGO Complaints
When I first purchased in November of 2022 3 days after A) I've never had Air Conditioning B) The heat worked when it wanted to. C) 3 days after purchased (road trip) my whole front end was on the floor. I found that the entire front end of the power train was faulty. It had broken off. Costed me $900 to repair. D) The alarm and start up sensor is wired to the radio. E) Won't start without the radio. F) I have to charge my battery to go everywhere G) It shakes over 60 mph;
2007 DODGE MAGNUM Complaints
Son drove my car and lost control as it sprung out of control and he hit a tree. No airbags deployed during that impact. My insurance company totaled my car out but really didn’t give a reason as to why they didn’t deploy with such a hard hit. Police impounded my car and insurance company inspected my car for a settlement. I asked them why and I said I had to take it up with the manufacturer. He walked away with miner cuts. That could have resulted in his death.;