Chrysler and Dodge to Recall More than 26,000 Vehicles in the U.S.

A new recall announced by the Chrysler Group will affect 26,397 owners of Chrysler and Dodge brand vehicles in the USA. The recall includes certain 2010MY Chrysler 300 and Sebring, and Dodge Charger, Avenger, Challenger and Journey, and some 2011MY Ram pickup trucks, because a power steering pressure hose may leak fluid onto a hot engine and cause a fire.

The U.S. automaker told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that dealers will inspect and replace if necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before the end of the October 2010.

Owners may contact Chrysler for more information regarding the recall at 1-800-853-1403.

According to reports, 13,000 vehicles are also being recalled outside the U.S. for the same problem.

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2011 Dodge Journey Facelift: First Official Photos and Details

The Chrysler Group continues to bombard the U.S. market with new or refreshed products, the latest being the revised 2011 Dodge Journey which has been given a mid-life facelift with a redesigned and retuned suspension, a new V6 engine, a completely new interior and some subtle exterior tweaks.

The big news here, of course, is the Journey's newly crafted interior with higher-quality materials which puts the outgoing model's cabin to shame (not that it was hard..). Just about everything you see on the dashboard is new, including the sporty looking instrument panel with a standard electronic vehicle information center featuring a full-color display backlit.

The makeover is completed with a new multi-functioning three-spoke steering wheel, larger front storage bin with side nets, newly designed seats and controls, as well as an available Uconnect Touch media center with a touch-screen display. Dodge said the mid-size crossover offers six new interior color and trim options.

On the outside, the cosmetic changes are far less prominent and are limited to the new front fascia sporting the brand's signature "split crosshair" honeycomb grille, restyled fog lamp bezels, available 19-inch wheels, a less angular rear fascia and LED tail-lamps. In addition, the V6 models get a more aggressive lower fascia with a honeycomb grille.

Underneath the hood, the Journey receives the Chrysler Group's new 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine delivering 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The firm's engineers also made changes to the 2011 Journey's suspension geometry and steering system, and added different tires to improve ride and handling. The company claims it also reduced noise, vibration and harshness by installing new, premium sound-deadening treatments and insulation throughout the vehicle.

The revised Dodge Journey, which is built in at Chrysler Group LLC's Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2010 and will be available with five- or seven-seat versions.

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