Chrysler issues recall of 121,000 vehicles

(December 31, 2010) Chrysler is recalling more than 121,000 vehicles in two recalls involving the 2009 Dodge Journey crossover and the 2011 Ram 1500 pickup, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall of 65,180 model-year 2009 Dodge Journeys was for defective wires in the front-door wiring harness that could break over time in some vehicles. The wiring failure could cause the side air bag sensors to be deactivated and disable the side bags so they would not go off in a crash.

Chrysler says there have been no reports of crashes, fires or injuries due to the wiring problem and the airbag warning light on the dash would alert the owner if the side air bag is not functional. Dealers will replace the wiring harnesses in the front doors.

Also recalled were 56,611 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks over potential seizing by the rear axle bearing, which could cause a crash. Some of the trucks were not given the proper amount of lubricant to prevent bearing failure, which likely would be apparent within the first few hundred miles of the truck's use.

Chrysler will notify owners in February on both recalls.