Dodge Avenger recalled for fire risk

Chrysler is recalling close to 64,000 vehicles in three separate recalls announced February 7 and 8.

The first and largest recall affects 63,201 Chrysler trucks and SUVs, specifically Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs from model year 2009; Dodge Ram and Dakota trucks from 2009 and 2010; and Ram 1500 trucks from 2011 and 2012.

On some of these vehicles, the rear axle pinion nut could loosen, allowing the driveshaft to detach from the axle, or from the vehicle altogether. It could also cause the differential to fail, locking up the rear wheels.

This could cause a loss of propulsion or control if it occurs while driving, and possibly a crash. Dealers will install a pinion nut retainer.

The second recall affects 440 Viper sports cars from model years 2003 and 2004. The supplemental restraint system (SRS) in some of these vehicles may have a defect that could deploy the front or side curtain airbags or seatbelt pretensioners when not warranted.

This could startle the driver, possibly causing a crash. Dealers will install a in-line jumper wiring harness.

The third recall affects 90 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 cars from model year 2013. In some of these vehicles, a broken control valve in the fuel tank assembly could cause fuel to leak or the engine to stall.

A fuel leak could start a fire if an ignition source is present; and if the engine stalls while driving, it would cause a loss of propulsion, and possibly a crash. Dealers will inspect the fuel tank control valve and, if it's damaged, replace the fuel tank assembly and vapour canister.

Other Dodge Dakota and Ram trucks from 2009 and 2010 were previously recalled for the same defect in October 2012. Some of those trucks had also been recalled even earlier for a potential issue with the steering.

(Transport Canada [rear axle],[Viper],[Avenger])