Chryslers, Jeeps recalled over brake problems

Few New Zealand-owned Chrysler and Jeep vehicles are likely to be affected by a recall over brake and wiring problems, the Auckland-based distributor believes.

However, Chrysler New Zealand is still awaiting more information from the United States, a spokesman said today.

"It's wait and see for us. We haven't had issues with any of the vehicles named in the recalls in the US and we're not even sure if it does affect us yet."

The recalls affect the Jeep Wrangler off-roader and Chrysler Grand Voyager people-mover.

Both models have been recalled in the US after the discovery of brake fluid leaks in the Wrangler and worn wiring insulation in the Grand Voyager. In all, 575,000 Jeeps and Chryslers have been recalled, of which 100,000 were exported beyond North America.

The Chrysler New Zealand spokesman said only a "handful" of Voyagers have sold in New Zealand in the last couple of years. Wrangler was also a specialist model here. New Zealanders tended to prefer the larger Grand Cherokee and Cherokee models.

US authorities believe the brake and wiring problems could lead to safety issues. Neither problem has caused any crashes or injuries.

The Wranglers affected by the recall were made from May 15, 2006 through August 9, 2009 and the Chrysler people carriers were made from February 2007 through September 2007.

This month, Chrysler issued a recall for almost 35,000 Dodge and Jeep vehicles for sticking accelerator pedals in the US. No affected vehicles were brought to New Zealand, Chrysler NZ said.

- NZPA