Chrysler, Honda announce auto recalls

updated 3:34 p.m. ET Sept. 14, 2007

WASHINGTON - Chrysler LLC said Friday it would recall nearly 300,000 sport utility vehicles to address potential braking problems while driving uphill.

In a separate move, Honda Motor Co. said it was recalling more than 180,000 Civics from the 2006-2007 model year to fix a wheel-bearing seal that could leak and lead to a wheel falling off the car.

The Chrysler recall involves more than 156,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Commander SUVs from the 2006-2007 model years, more than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wrangler SUVs and nearly 50,000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUVs.

Chrysler spokesman Max Gates said the automaker had received about 20 complaints of vehicles experiencing a delay in braking when drivers tried to come to a stop after coasting uphill. To fix the problem, the computer connected to the antilock brake system will be reprogrammed.

There has been one crash tied to the issue and no injuries reported, Gates said. Owners will be notified by mail beginning later this month.

In Honda’s recall, the automaker said in an Aug. 30 letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the seal where the antilock brake sensor mounts to the rear wheel bearing could allow moisture and salt to leak into the wheel bearing and cause corrosion.

The conditions could lead to a wheel falling off and a crash, Honda said.

The automaker has received two complaints related to the problem, including one in which a wheel came off the vehicle while it was being towed, said spokesman Chris Naughton. No injuries have been reported.

Owners were being notified of the recall this month and can contact Honda at (800) 999-1009 for more information.

Separately, Chrysler said it was recalling 72,333 Dodge Avenger sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles from the 2008 model year to address problems with the front door latches and locks.

Gates said the company discovered problems with opening the vehicle doors through its internal monitoring program. No accidents or injuries have been reported and owners are expected to be notified of the recall next month.

For more information, owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

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