Recall 13V121000: Transfer Case Heat Shield/Driveshaft Damage

REPORT RECEIPT DATE: April 03, 2013

NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V121000

COMPONENT(S): Air Bags, Power Train, Structure

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 61,409

ALL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL MODEL YEAR(S)

Dodge Nitro 2007-2008

Jeep Liberty 2008

DETAILS

2 Associated Documents

MANUFACTURER: Chrysler Group LLC.

SUMMARY:
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X4 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X4 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.