Brake, wiring problems prompt Chrysler recall

Jeep Wranglers from the 2006-10 model years and 2008-09 Grand Caravan and Town & Country minivans, below, are subject to the recall. associated press

MADALYN RUGGIERO / AP

DETROIT - Chrysler Group LLC is recalling almost 600,000 minivans and Jeep Wranglers in the United States and 100,000 more elsewhere because of brake or wiring problems that could create safety issues, the company and federal regulators said yesterday.

Chrysler said it is recalling 288,968 Jeep Wranglers from the 2006 through 2010 model years because of a potential brake fluid leak.

The vehicles are made at the company's Toledo Assembly complex.

It also is recalling 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from the 2008 and 2009 model years because of a wiring problem that can cause a fire inside the sliding doors.

An additional 76,430 Wranglers and 34,143 minivans are being recalled in Canada, Mexico, and other international markets, Chrysler said.

Neither problem has caused any crashes or injuries, Chrysler said.

It was the second notable recall in the past week for Chrysler. The company recalled nearly 35,000 Dodge Calibers and a limited number of Jeep Compasses last week to fix a potential problem with sticking gas pedals, the same issue that has afflicted millions of vehicles from Toyota Motor Corp.

FILE - In this file photo taken July 17, 2007, a 2008 Dodge minivan is displayed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlsbad, Calif. Federal regulators said, Monday, June 7, 2010, Chrysler is recalling nearly 600,000 Jeep Wranglers and Chrysler and Dodge minivans for brake or wiring problems. Chrysler also is recalling 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from the 2008 and 2009 model years because a wiring problem can cause a fire inside the sliding doors. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

In the latest recall, the front inner fender liners on the Jeeps can rub against the brake fluid tubes and cause a leak.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the leak could lead to a partial brake loss.

The minivans can have improperly placed wires that can come into contact with sliding-door hinges that could cut through the insulation, Chrysler and the safety agency said.

Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said the defect could lead to a fire inside the minivan door "in rare instances."

Chrysler will notify owners and dealers about the repairs, which will be made free of charge. The recall is expected to start this month.

The Wranglers affected by the recall were made from May 15, 2006, through Aug. 9, 2009, according to the federal safety agency.

The minivans were made from February through September, 2007.