The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·13V121000·Announced 2013-04-03

Chrysler Recalls 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty for Drive Shaft Risk

Chrysler is recalling specific 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro and 2008 Jeep Liberty vehicles because a heat shield may damage the drive shaft, potentially causing loss of power or airbag deployment.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (drive shaft failure) that can cause loss of motive power and unintended airbag deployment, increasing the risk of a crash, which aligns with the 'Severe' criteria for structural defects and significant injury risk.

Plain-English summary

Chrysler Group LLC is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured between March 21, 2006, and March 1, 2008, as well as 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured between February 15, 2007, and March 1, 2008. The recall involves a total of 62,578 vehicles.

The defect involves the transfer case heat shield, which may drop down and rub against the drive shaft. This friction can weaken the drive shaft, potentially causing it to break. If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force to trigger the airbag computer to deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure results in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
DODGE, JEEP NITRO, LIBERTY
Brand
DODGE
Manufacturer
Chrysler Group LLC
Category
Vehicle — SUV
Hazard
Affected units
62,578

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • NITRO
  • LIBERTY

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · DODGE

Same manufacturer · Chrysler Group LLC

See all →

Similar recalls