JUNE 2011 -- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 Dodge Journey, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 Convertible, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Dodge Grand Caravan And Chrysler Town & Country Vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash. Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011.   11V-315

NEWS:   Chrysler recalls 11,351 vehicles to fix steering

YAHOO NEWS -- June 17,  2011 – Chrysler Group LLC is recalling 11,351 cars, minivans and other models because a manufacturing problem can cause the steering to fail.

Chrysler told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it doesn't know of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem. The recall affects 11 of the 20 models Chrysler has on sale for the 2011 model year.

NHTSA said on its website Thursday that a missing or incorrectly installed rivet could cause a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recalled vehicles include the Chrysler 200 midsize sedan and convertible and Town and Country minivan; the Dodge Avenger midsize sedan, Caliber compact car, Caravan minivan, Journey crossover vehicle and Nitro SUV; and the Jeep Compass wagon and Patriot, Liberty and Wrangler SUVs.

The vehicles were built from mid-April to the middle of May.

Dealers will check to make sure the rivet was installed correctly and make repairs free of charge. The company plans to begin notifying dealers and owners in July, according to the documents.

Chrysler began investigating after it discovered that a steering column rivet was missing in some of the vehicles. The company inspected 14,000 steering columns and found seven with missing or misaligned rivets.

The problem was traced to the improper identification of rejected components by new employees on one shift at a factory near Toledo, Ohio, according to documents filed with NHTSA.

There are no known customer complaints about the problem, the documents said.

MORE RECALL INFO:   

• Chrysler 200
• Chrysler Town and Country
• Dodge Avenger
• Dodge Caliber
• Dodge Caravan
• Dodge Journey
• Dodge Nitro
• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Patriot
• Jeep Liberty
• Jeep Wrangler

SEPTEMBER 2008 -- Chrysler is recalling 712 MY 2009 Sebring, Dodge Caliber, Avenger, Journey, Jeep Patriot, and Compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break. This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning. Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2008.