Chrysler informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) that it is recalling about 161,000 Jeep Wranglers that were assembled without a transmission fluid temperature warning system. 2007-2008 Wranglers are affected by the recall. As reported in the New York Times, Chrysler expained the reason for the recall:

“Operating a vehicle under rigorous off-road conditions will cause the vehicle’s transmission fluid temperature to elevate…Continuous operation under such rigorous conditions may lead to a transmission failure.”

NHTSA’s press release, which can be found here, states that the remedy for affected owners is to bring their vehicle to dealers, who will

“…inspect and install a “hotoil” message in the instrument cluster and a chime indicating an elevated transmission fluid condition. The recall is expected to begin during December 2009.”

The lack of temperature warning system is potentially serious, and could even lead to an engine fire. Owners of recalled Jeeps should contact their dealers for more information.

Thanks to usrecallnews.com, we now have a list of the Top 10 Defective Car Recalls of 2007.  Ford and Chrysler, the mammoth makers of unreliable vehicles, head the list, each appearing multiple times.  Nissan and Toyota also experienced problems with quality this year, so their appearance on the list isn’t surprising.

Here are the highlights:

Ford Motor Company – 3.6 million vehicles recalled due to speed control deactivation switch developing a short circuit, resulting in engine compartment fire, even if the car is parked and the ignition is office. This problem resulted in 65 crashes and/or fires.
Ford Motor Company – 1.2 million vehicles recalled due to the camshaft position sensor problems

VW - 790,000 vehicles recalled due to a brake light switch malfunction.

Nissan – 653,910 vehicles recalled due to an issue with the program in the engine computer causing the engine to stop running without warning while the vehicle is being driven at low speeds.

Chrysler - 576,418 vehicles recalled for a problem with the ignition-park shift interlock system, letting the driver move out of park or the key to be removed without being in park, which could result in the vehicle rolling away.

Toyota – 533,124 vehicles recalled for a problem with the front suspension lower ball joints which could cause a loss of steering control.

Ford Motor Company – 446,460 vehicles recalled for a problem with the antilock braking module connector. There were 120 reports of crashes and/or fires.

Nissan North America – 372,250 vehicles recalled. Fuel leak that could result in a fire.

Volkswagen – 340,000 vehicles recalled due to noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108: Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment that can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment, reducing road visibility.

Chrysler Corporation – 328,424 vehicles recalled due to a problem with the integrated circuit in the instrument cluster that controls the interior lighting. Could overheat and result in a fire on the instrument panel. 78 crashes and/or fires were reported.