Chrysler Recalls More Than 11,000 Vehicles

Chrysler Group LLC has recalled 11,351 vehicles for a possible missing or incorrectly installed part that could compromise the steering column's performance in an accident, potentially increasing the risk of injury for the driver.

Some of the 2011 model-year vehicles were built with a missing or incorrectly installed pivot rivet on the steering column, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the event of a frontal crash, the steering column's ability to absorb the force of the driver's weight could be hurt.

Chrysler said the issue does not affect the steering of the vehicle under normal driving conditions.

Chrysler spokesman Vince Muniga said the company was cooperating with the NHTSA and that there had been no reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue.

Affected vehicles include the Chrysler 200 and 200 convertible cars; Town and Country minivan; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Caravan, Journey and Nitro vehicles; and Jeep Compass, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler SUVs, according to the NHTSA documents.

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Dealers will inspect for the presence of the rivet and repair the steering column pivot as required. Plans call for the recall to begin in July.

Chrysler is operated by Fiat SpA.

Also, Porsche is recalling 1,702 of its 2010-2011 model-year 911 cars for potential wear on parts in the wheels that could increase the risk of a crash.

Over time the center locking hubs on the cars can wear prematurely, possibly leading to the wheels loosening, according to documents filed with NHTSA.

Porsche spokesman Gary Fong said the company was cooperating with the NHTSA. There has been one unverified report of an incident stemming from the issue in the United States, he said.

Affected vehicles include the 911 GT2 RS, GT3, GT3 RS, Turbo and Turbo S models, according to the NHTSA documents.

Dealers will replace the hub and wheel assemblies with an improved design.

(Reporting by Ben Klayman, editing by Gerald E. McCormick, Lisa Von Ahn, Dave Zimmerman)