Chrysler recalls Charger police vehicles

Chrysler is recalling almost 10,000 Dodge Charger police cars from the 2011 and 2012 model years. The affected vehicles have a faulty bulb-harness connector that could overheat, causing the low beams to fail. Certain vehicles could also lose their antilock brakes or stability control if the power-distribution center overheats.

Chrysler says it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the problem.

“The conditions tend to occur when police vehicles are exposed to severe police-duty vehicle cycles for an extended period of time, including long durations of high speed, evasive driving when used as training vehicles for police forces and extended idling,” said David Dillon, head of product investigation and campaigns. “We will continue to monitor the retail fleet for any occurrence of this condition beyond police vehicles.”

The recall affects Charger models built between July 5, 2010, and Dec. 20, 2011.

The company is expected to notify owners and dealers during March. Service centers will replace the headlight jumper harness and relocate the ABS/ESC system fuse free of charge.

Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403, or NHTSA at (888) 327-4236. They can also go to www.safercar.gov for more information.

By Jake Lingeman