Last year we looked into why a Jeep Grand Cherokee suddenly accelerated in reverse and crashed into a tree. Prior to this incident, we had known of Jeep's problems with "sudden acceleration" and "unitentional vehicle movement". Upon researching the problem in this case, we learned that CBS News had reported on the problem of Jeep Grand Cherokees shifting out of park while idling and then rolling backward in reverse. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website, recalls were issued for Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer vehicles built between 1993 and 1998. However, Chrysler recognized that the problem extended past the 1998 model year and implemented a campaign to include Grand cherokee vehicles built from 1999 through 2004. However, the campaign did not include the replacement or installation of additional parts. Instead, the campaign amounted to the distribution of a document that explained to the owner how to put the vehicle's shift lever into the "park" position. Chrysler was, in effect, blaming owners for not knowing how to put their vehicles into "park".
Daimler Chrysleris recalling 86,333 model year 2006 Dodge Ram pickup trucks. The front wheel bearing may have received an insufficient quantity of grease during the manufacturing process. This could result in bearing degradation, and if sufficient noise and vibration are ignored, could result in hub assembly separation. This may result in loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning. The recall began February 26, 2006.
Maytag and Jenn-Air brand Dishwashers The CPSC in cooperation with Maytag Corp. annoounced a voluntary recall on February 1, 2007. This affects about 2.3 million Maytag and Jenn-Air brand dishwashers. Liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher's internal wiring which can short circuit and ignite, posing a fire hazard. Maytag has received 135 reports of dishwasher fires, resulting in product and/or property damage. Four injuries have been reported.
Maytag and Samsung brand front loading washing machines The CPSC in cooperation with Maytag and Samsung announced a voluntary recall on March 21, 2007. This affects about 250,000 Maytag brand units and about 20,000 Samsung brand units. Water leakage onto the electrical connections to the washing machine's thermal sensor could cause an electrical short and ignite a circuit board, posing a hazard to consumers. Maytag has received five reports of incidents involving ignition in the circuit board. Samsung has received one report of incident involving ignition in the circuit board.
