24,000 New Chryslers Recalled For Possible Brake Failure While Toyota Recalls 8 Models For Sticking Accelerator

Did the bail out of the auto manufacturers do the right thing? Could it be that the quality of American made automobiles needs to be raised in order for the market to make the necessary corrections based on supply and demand? Regardless of your position on financial bail outs, the latest quality scare has got to cause some concern. The Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recalled 24,177 late-model Chrysler Group vehicles because of potentially faulty brakes. The potential brake problems exist in the 2010 Chrysler Sebring, Jeep Commander, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Dodge Avenger, Dodge Nitro, and the 2009-2010 Dodge Ram. The potential problem involves a sudden inability to brake. The mechanical defect apparently involves a retaining clip for the brake booster input rod (part of the brake hydraulics.) The brake booster input rod may be deformed or missing all together. If such a defect is present, the brakes could fail entirely and cause an accident.

The government agency has suggested that all owners of these vehicles contact your local Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep dealer for servicing post-haste. See the following for more details: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Update 1-22-10: Automaker troubles are not limited to American companies. Toyota has a major problem too. Toyota said that they would announce another recall today, spanning some 2.3 million vehicles for sticking accelerator pedals.The recall includes the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequioia. More

Update 1-27-10: It just keeps getting worse! Toyota suspended U.S. sales of eight models in order to gain time to fix sticking gas pedals that could make the cars accelerate without warning.
Toyota Motor Corp. said it would halt production at six assembly plants beginning the week of Feb. 1 "to assess and coordinate activities." The company said it would stop selling: 2009-2010 RAV4
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry
2010 Highlander
2008-2010 Sequoia
2007-2010 Tundra
"This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized," said Bob Carter, Toyota's group vice president and general manager. Will this fend off a bombardment of lawsuits or will it generate a legal explosion?

Update 2-4-10: Toyota's problems are not limited to the sticking accelerator and floor mat recalls! Now they are recognizing a problem with the Prius braking system. Toyota has now admitted that there are indeed known problems with the car's anti-lock braking system. Prius models sold before the end of January have this brake system design problem. There is an investigation into around 180 claims of braking problems in the 2010 Prius.The Prius has both a regenerative and friction braking system. Apparently there can be a short, temporary loss of braking during the transition between the two on slick or bumpy surfaces. Toyota calls it a "slight unresponsiveness;" however, Legal Pub calls it a publicity nightmare.

Update 6-15-10: BMW and Volkswagen join the auto manufacturer recall party. Both BMW and VW issued recalls because of defects that could cause fires. The BMW 1 Series luxury cars, years 2008-2011, were recalled due to a flaw in the front seat belt. More than 15,000 VW minivans were recalled because of faulty rear-door latches.
Read Article: Kansas City Star

Update 7-6-10: Having a defective auto is no longer an exclusive club. Suzuki is recalling 5 107 Suzuki Kizashi sedans because of a faulty door on the center dashboard box. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that the door may suddenly swing open during a crash thus injuring the passenger. The affected models were built between Oct. 13, 2009 and May 31, 2010. For more information see: Chicago Tribune

Update 2-11-11, According to the Washington Post, alleged software problems on the Toyota did not cause the alleged brake failure. LINK.