Chrysler Recalls 26,000 Vehicles to Repair Power-Steering Fluid Leak

Chrysler Group is recalling 26,397 cars and trucks to repair power-steering hoses that may become disconnected and leak fluid, raising the potential for vehicle fires.

Models involved include the Chrysler Sebring and 300 and the Dodge Challenger, Charger, Avenger and Journey from the 2010 model year, as well as 2011 Ram light-duty pickup trucks, according to a recall notice posted on the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration website.

On some of the vehicles, the crimped end of the power-steering pressure hose may separate from the power-steering assembly, resulting in fluid leaking onto hot engine parts and possibly igniting a fire, NHTSA said.

As a remedy, dealers will inspect and replace the power-steering hoses as necessary, at no cost to owners of the recalled vehicles. Recall notices are expected to begin being sent out this month, the agency said.

In June, Chrysler recalled nearly 600,000 vehicles for a wide range of problems including failing brakes, sticky accelerators and electrical fires. Among models recalled at the time were nearly 290,000 Jeep Wrangler sport utility vehicles from model years 2007 through 2010 that could experience brake failures caused by leaking brake fluid.