Brake problems spur big Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango recall

Chrysler Group is recalling almost 650,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango sport utility vehicles sold in the U.S. during the the 2011-14 model years to fix a problem with the brakes.

It will recall another 200,000 of the vehicles sold in other countries.

In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker said some of the SUVs may have a corroded center shell of the brake booster that will allow water to seep in. If the water freezes in a cold climate, the braking ability of the vehicle can be diminished.

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Chrysler discovered the problem after it and NHTSA received consumer complaints of a “hard pedal feel” to the brakes in some vehicles. A tear-down of some of the brake systems in the cars found the corroded part.

The automaker is asking owners to take their SUVs back to dealers so that a water diverter shield can be added to the booster.

Technicians also will test the booster to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure to make the brakes work properly. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced.

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