Chrysler is voluntarily recalling over 200,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs, model years 2004 2005, because rust may cause a rear suspension component to break. According to the NHTSA, fracture of the corroded arm may cause a loss of vehicle control, possibly leading to and accident. Chrysler said it was unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.
Chrysler convinced the NHTSA that a nationwide recall was not necessary. The recall is limited to 20 states – Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia or Wisconsin – where road salt is frequently used for winter driving conditions.
Fortunately, there have been no serious injuries or death resulting from rusty suspension components. And, fortunately, our legal system encourages companies to recall products proactively instead of waiting for something serious to happen. But, has Chrysler done the right thing by issuing a “regional” recall? Given the fact that vehicles often move from one area to another, do regional recalls make sense? This sounds like Chrysler is once again more concerned about its bottom line than the safety of consumers.
Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the lower rear control arms free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of April. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403 or go to the NHTSA Web site, www.nhtsa.gov for more information.
It is the manufacturers’ responsibility to inform consumers of a recall. If your vehicle is affected by the Jeep Liberty recall or any other recall, it is your responsibility to have your auto repaired. But, how do you keep up-to-date on auto recalls? Two online resources are www.nhtsa.gov or autorecalls.org. I encourage you to visit these sites at least quarterly. Do not assume that if you are not having problems, that you don’t need to respond to the recall. If you own a vehicle with a recall and do not have the problem fixed, you are liable for any problems that could have been prevented had the repair/replacement had been performed. The recalls are free repairs that can save your life. Don’t take safety for granted.
Mark Bello has thirty-five years experience as a trial lawyer and thirteen years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Mississippi, Connecticut, Texas, and Tennessee Associations for Justice, and Consumers Attorneys of California, member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.
