David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
Washington — Ford Motor Co. is recalling 33,728 Transit Connect vans and halting sales until it fixes the vehicles.

The Dearborn automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is recalling 2010 Transit Connect vehicles to replace a part above the B-pillar trim on both the left and right side of the vehicle to address potential noncompliance with federal law.

A government test showed a vehicle didn’t meet one federal safety standard. The recall covers all Ford Transit vehicles built between Dec. 5, 2008, through May 31 at its Kocaeli plant in Turkey.  Ford said it is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

On April 23, Ford was informed by NHTSA of the test result recorded for a 2010 model year Ford Transit Connect. Ford investigated the test results, including assessing of test setup conditions and additional system testing and analysis, to confirm the test results.

Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said the company was repairing vehicles to make them ready for sale. “The parts are available at our regional storage facilities so dealers can order them now. We alerted dealers about this earlier in the week,” he said.

Chrysler recalling 22,000
Separately, Chrysler Group LLC said today it is recalling 22,000 vehicles over possible brake problems.

The recall includes some 2010 Dodge Nitro, Dodge Ram 1500 pickup tricks, along with Jeep Liberty and Wrangler vehicles.

The recall includes 7,800 Ram pickups and 8,800 Jeep Wranglers.

Chrysler said the vehicles have been built with potentially defective brake tubes. The condition could lead to loss of brake fluid and reduced braking performance, which could increase the chance of a crash.

Chrysler said the recall also covers another 6,000 vehicles in Canada, Mexico and other foreign markets.

“The condition was discovered internally through improved quality control processes. Chrysler Group LLC will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all potentially affected vehicles to inspect and replace the affected components. The improvement will be completed at no cost to the customer,” Chrysler spokesman Nick Cappa said.

Chrysler dealers will replace the brake tubes as part of a recall that will begin next month.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100709/AUTO01/7090410/1148/auto01/Recalls-announced-at-Ford–Chrysler#ixzz0tTuUZRpk