Chrysler recalls Jeep Patriot and Compass, SUVs may run out of gas

Chrysler is recalling certain Jeep Patriot and Compass vehicles due to a fuel tank problem, which may result in the vehicle running out of gas and stalling.

Affected by the recall are roughly 30,000 model year 2012 Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs manufactured between October 2011 and May 2012. The vehicles in question may be equipped with a defective fuel transfer tube, which may prevent fuel flow from one side of the tank to the other, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As a result, the engine may stall while driving, thus increasing the likelihood of a crash. Chrysler reports that the faulty hoses were incorrectly formed during the manufacturing process.

Chrysler’s fuel tank recall covers approximately 20,500 vehicles in the United States; 2,300 in Canada; 50 in Mexico; and 7,400 outside North America.

Chrysler will begin notifying customers of the recall in May 2013. Authorized dealers will replace the fuel tank transfer hose at no cost to the owner. In the meantime, customers may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler’s recall number is N17. Concerned drivers may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov. The NHTSA campaign number is 13V120000.

The recall stems from a NHTSA investigation that was launched in October of last year. The government agency received 12 complaints alleging engine stall, one of which resulted in a crash and injury. Ten of the incidents occurred at speeds of 65 miles per hour or more. All complaints reported that the vehicle could not be immediately restarted and eight stated that the vehicle could not be restarted at all.

Although highway engine stall may be a frightening circumstance, there are several tips that drivers should keep in mind. Firstly, you should attempt to pull your vehicle to the side of the road at the first sign of an impending stall. While pulled over, turn on your hazard warning lights. In the case that your vehicle stalls in the middle of the highway, you should utilize your hazard lights once the vehicle comes to a complete stop. If your vehicle is on level ground and you are not pulled over, it is advised that you put the vehicle in neutral rather than park. If rear-ended, the ensuing impact will be less severe when in neutral.

Chrysler’s recall of the Jeep Patriot and Compass is one of six recalls issued by the Auburn Hills-based automaker on Tuesday. The recalls deal with multiple safety concerns like faulty parking brakes, malfunctioning airbags and broken drive shafts.

The largest recall concerns 139,000 model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Charger cars that may suffer from side-airbag malfunction and airbag warning light illumination. Affected vehicles were manufactured between April 2011 and December 2011.

Chrysler also issued a sizable recall involving 78,500 4x2 SUVs, which may experience drive shaft breakage due to transfer case defect. The recall concerns model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured from March 2006 and March 2008.