Ford, Chrysler Recall Combined 160K Vehicles on Safety Defects

Ford (NYSE:F) and Chrysler are recalling a combined 160,000 vehicles due to various safety defects, according to postings Thursday with the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.

Chrysler is recalling more than 144,000 vehicles, some 65,180 of which are Dodge Journeys made in 2009. The models are being recalled due to weak wires within the front door.

The harness wires may break, the company said, possibly interrupting the circuits for the side impact sensors and resulting in an airbag warning lamp illumination and loss of side crash sensing capability. In the event of a crash, the side airbag may not deploy.

Chrysler is also recalling some 56,611 Dodge Rams. A growling and grinding noise may be emerging from the rear axle bearing on vehicles manufactured from September 2009 through December 2010. Chrysler said the bearing could eventually seize and cause the vehicle to stall.

Model year 2008 to 2011 Dodge Rams are also being recalled by Chrysler due to weakening of the left ball stud on the tie rod. The ball stud could fracture resulting in the potential loss of steering, the company said.

The automaker said it will notify owners of all recalled vehicles and make free-of-charge repairs as necessary.

Ford, meanwhile, is pulling back some 14,737 model 2011 vehicles due to manufacturing problems over a six-day production period. During the week-long period, a supplier manufactured certain body control modules in Ford’s F-150, F-250, F-350, F-450, F-550, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles that may have the potential for an internal short. If this occurs, the car may overheat, potentially leading to a vehicle fire.

The Detroit-based company said the recalls are slated to begin before Jan. 10. Body control modules will be replaced if necessary free of charge.