Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will recall an estimated 198,380 Dodge Journey vehicles to prevent a potential issue with the power steering system.
According to the automaker, only the models with the optional block heaters are affected by this potential problem.
FCA wants to change specific power steering fluid lines on the 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles, but only on those fitted with the optional heating element for the engine block.
An investigation found that some power steering fluid lines might leak at engine start-up, but only when the Journey is subjected to “extreme cold.”
Considering that 10,994 Journey units were sold in the United States of America, while the rest of 187,436 vehicles were sold in Canada, it is easy to understand why the “extreme cold” part of this situation might be a concern.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' official statement mentions no knowledge of any injuries or accidents related to this potential problem.
However, it is unclear how the automaker started an investigation regarding the Journey's optional block heaters. Most likely, they have received warranty complaints on the issue, and engineers decided it was time to double-check the system.
As the automaker notes, steering is not lost in any circumstances because of this potential issue. However, as those who have encountered problems with a power steering system already know, the vehicle will require enhanced physical effort to turn the steering wheel if it has been affected by the problem.
FCA will notify all known owners of Dodge Journey models as soon as parts are available for the recall. The company expects to receive the necessary parts shortly. It is worth noting that this recall is not a safety or compliance issue, but a matter of durability and reliability, so it is good to see automakers caring for customers that acquired a vehicle seven years ago.
If you are the owner of an MY2009-2016 Dodge Journey with an optional block heater, you can contact them at their US Customer Care Center. Canadian customers are invited to do the same for their respective center, if they have any questions on the matter.
FCA has not mentioned anything about this recall and the Fiat Freemont, the Dodge Journey's platform brother sold in Europe. For the moment, it is unclear whether it might also be affected, so we would rather not make assumptions on the situation.
FCA wants to change specific power steering fluid lines on the 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles, but only on those fitted with the optional heating element for the engine block.
An investigation found that some power steering fluid lines might leak at engine start-up, but only when the Journey is subjected to “extreme cold.”
Considering that 10,994 Journey units were sold in the United States of America, while the rest of 187,436 vehicles were sold in Canada, it is easy to understand why the “extreme cold” part of this situation might be a concern.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' official statement mentions no knowledge of any injuries or accidents related to this potential problem.
However, it is unclear how the automaker started an investigation regarding the Journey's optional block heaters. Most likely, they have received warranty complaints on the issue, and engineers decided it was time to double-check the system.
As the automaker notes, steering is not lost in any circumstances because of this potential issue. However, as those who have encountered problems with a power steering system already know, the vehicle will require enhanced physical effort to turn the steering wheel if it has been affected by the problem.
FCA will notify all known owners of Dodge Journey models as soon as parts are available for the recall. The company expects to receive the necessary parts shortly. It is worth noting that this recall is not a safety or compliance issue, but a matter of durability and reliability, so it is good to see automakers caring for customers that acquired a vehicle seven years ago.
If you are the owner of an MY2009-2016 Dodge Journey with an optional block heater, you can contact them at their US Customer Care Center. Canadian customers are invited to do the same for their respective center, if they have any questions on the matter.
FCA has not mentioned anything about this recall and the Fiat Freemont, the Dodge Journey's platform brother sold in Europe. For the moment, it is unclear whether it might also be affected, so we would rather not make assumptions on the situation.