A select grouping of the full size, rear drive, high output Chrysler LX platform cars are being recalled. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem lies within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) of both the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8 sedans. The cars have failed to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138 due to the system alerting a driver of low pressure too late. The standard dictates that vehicles warn when a tire’s pressure drops to 25 percent below the recommended psi but on certain Chrysler cars, the TPMS emits its protest further along. Instead of warning at 24 psi, the system goes off at 22 psi which would ultimately lead to poorly inflated tires. Give the amount of power and speed that the SRT8 cars produce, this could easily spell disaster for drivers.
So far, just 303 vehicles are being affected, all of which are 2012 model years. Both Chrysler 300 SRT8s and Dodge Charger SRT8s at risk were manufactured from May 2 through November 17, 2011. Notification to owners and the remedy will begin in February 2012. Certified dealers will reprogram the TPMS to comply with the safety standard and do so at no extra cost to drivers.
Source: NHTSA
