Chrysler to Recall 301K Jeep and Ram Vehicles

Chrysler Group said it will recall 301,283 vehicles from its Jeep and Ram brands to address several issues, including a problem that could cause some Jeep sport utility vehicles to unintentionally shift into neutral.

The recalls were disclosed in three separate filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Under one recall, the Auburn Hills, Mich.-based car maker said an electrical failure in the transfer case can lead to the unintentional shift into neutral, which could cause vehicles to roll away.

The recall will begin next month and includes Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from model years 2005 to 2010 and Jeep Commander SUVs from model years 2006 to 2010, a total of 295,345 vehicles. Chrysler dealers will make a software change to fix the problem.

Chrysler is also recalling Jeep Wranglers with right-hand drive from model years 2008 to 2012 for airbag clockspring assemblies that may have broken circuits. If the vehicles are in a crash, the issue can prevent the driver-side frontal airbag from deploying.  That recall of 5,440 Wranglers will begin this month.

A third recall was spurred by a windshield defroster problem in some 2013 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. About 498 trucks will be recalled starting next month. Dealers will replace coolant valves that may stick and not allow coolant to flow into the heater core, preventing the windshield from defrosting and defogging systems from functioning properly.

Chrysler said owners of recalled vehicles can contact the company at 800-247-9753.