Citing brake and wiring problems, Chrysler is recalling 288,968 Jeep Wranglers from the 2006 through 2010 model years. It is also recalling 284,831 Dodge Grand Caravans and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from the 2008 through 2009 model years. The additional Wranglers and minivans are being recalled from Canada, Mexico, and other international markets.

Chrysler reported that the specified Jeep Wranglers had a potential brake fluid leak. The potential problem is that the front inner fender liners can rub against the brake fluid tubes to cause a leak and possibly lead to partial brake loss. The recalled minivans have wires improperly placed so as to come in contact with the sliding door hinges. This interaction could cut through the insulation and cause a fire inside the door. Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said this defect would cause a fire “in rare instances.” He also reported, and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) confirmed, that neither of these problems has caused any crashes or injuries.

Though these particular problems have not caused any injuries yet, the number of cars on the road is so numerous and the potential for automobile accidents is already so high, Americans cannot take the chance of faulty manufacturing. According to national statistics, a person is injured in a car crash every 14 seconds and about two million of those people injured each year suffer permanent injuries.

Car accidents are also expensive. Crashes cost each American more than $1000 a year, totaling about $164.2 billion yearly across the United States. With this kind of potential for permanent harm and financial hardship already in existence, the last thing Americans need is to be hurt by unreliable and defective cars.

Automobile manufacturers have a responsibility to their customers to ensure the security and safety of the products sold. If you drive one of the recalled cars and have been injured in a car crash because of the improperly built car, you need the help of an experienced auto accident attorney. Talk to the defective automobile recall lawyers at Atkins & Markoff today to discuss your potential avenues in righting this wrong.