Chrysler recalls over 210,000 Vehicles because Side Curtain Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

Washington, D.C. – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Ram 1500 Classic, 2015-2016 Ram 3500, and Ram 2500 vehicles, and 2016 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a gross vehicle weight rating less than 10,000 lbs.

A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

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New Vehicle Infotainment Systems Create Increased Distractions Behind the Wheel

Washington, D.C. – New vehicle infotainment systems take drivers’ eyes and attention off the road and hands off the wheel for potentially dangerous periods of time, according to new research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Drivers using in-vehicle technologies like voice-based and touch screen features were visually and mentally distracted for more than 40 seconds when completing tasks like programming navigation or sending a text message.

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Chrysler recalling over 250,000 model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks because rear axle pinion can loosen

Washington, D.C. – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 trucks manufactured January 28th, 2004, to August 3rd, 2005.

In the affected vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut may loosen due to an undersized spline on the pinion gear.

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2014 Annual Auto Reliability Survey by Consumer Reports shows Infotainment Systems are a Growing First-Year Reliability Plague

Troublesome Q50, QX60 models drop Infiniti 14 spots; Lexus tops rankings

Yonkers, NY – Multi-function, cross-linked infotainment systems and the associated in-car electronics are a growing reliability plague for many brands, according to Consumer Reports 2014 Annual Reliability Survey.

First-year models from Infiniti, Jeep, Fiat, Ram, Cadillac, Ford, and Honda have all seen significant problem rates from infotainment bugs and glitches. Of the 17 problem areas CR asks about in its survey, the category including in-car electronics generated more complaints from owners of 2014 models than for any other category. [Read more]

Consumer Reports road test scores lists Chevrolet Silverado the Top Truck, but Ram 1500 Makes For a Better Daily Driver

Showdown between the Silverado 1500 & Ram 1500 was neck-and-neck

Yonkers, NY – In a heavy-metal duel between two top pickup trucks, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s “Excellent” road-test score makes it Consumer Reports’ top-rated truck. But testers point out that the second-place Ram 1500 may be a better daily driver.

Each model won skirmishes along the way, and they finished one-two in a competitive pickup truck category— separated by only three points. Both trucks outscored the previously-tested Ford’s F-150 XLT, which 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbo V6 and 5.0-liter V8 versions rank third and fourth respectively.

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Chrysler vehicles getting better, but level of improvement varies considerably

Yonkers, NY – Consumer Reports’ tests of eight Chrysler vehicles revealed the automakers’ cars are getting better, but their level of improvement varies considerably.

The Dodge Durango and Charger, which received significant redesigns, have improved the most. Both the V6 and V8 tested versions of the Durango SUV received “Very Good” road test scores which now makes them comparable with the redesigned 2011 Ford Explorer. However, they score well below rivals like the Toyota Highlander and the Chevrolet Traverse. The Charger Rallye also received a “Very Good” road test score and now ranks close to the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse.

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