Fiat Chrysler Recalling Vehicles to Fix Power Steering Fluid Issues

Automotive company Fiat Chrysler has recently announced the voluntary recalling of its 187,436 vehicles in Canada while it tries to address serious safety problems involving the power-steering system in extremely cold weather.

According to the federal transportation ministry, more than 100 consumer complaints were filed before the government reporting a power return hose failure.

"The department is aware of two alleged loss of control events and three cases in which smoke was observed by drivers. To date, Transport Canada is not aware of any major injuries or fatalities related to a failure of the described components," the government agency mentioned in an official statement as quoted by Techmalak.

Acting on the said consumer safety concerns, Transport Canada carried out an investigation and concluded that some of the problems identified include loss of power steering assist as well as potential vehicle fire prompting it to notify the manufacturing to avert accidents before it is too late.

According to CBC News, Fiat Chrysler will be recalling more than 187, 000 Dodge Journeys but Transport Canada said three other cars appeared to have similar technical problems that require recall. These three other models include 2011-2013 Chrysler 200, the 2007-2010 Chrysler Sebring and the 2007-2013 Dodge Avenger.

However, the car company maintained that only the Dodge Journey model is seemingly affected by the issue. Fiat Chrysler said it will make replacement parts available soon and notify their customers promptly and accordingly.

Responding to potential safety claims posed by power-steering fluid leaks, the company said that such leaks are normal at extremely cold conditions upon engine start-up. Fiat Chrysler further noted that steering remains even under such circumstances although it may require strenuous effort to control it.

"FCA maintains that a failure of a power steering return hose on the subject vehicles does not represent a safety risk," the company's official press release reads as quoted by Toronto Suns.

As of press time, there hasn't been any reported incidents linked to the potential car defects.