posted 11-07-2003 04:53 PM         

Associated Press
Chrysler Recalling Jeep Liberty
Friday November 7, 5:08 pm ET
Chrysler Recalling 318,000 Jeep Liberty Because of Problems With Suspension

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chrysler Group said Friday it is recalling 318,000 Jeep Liberties because of a problem with the suspension that could cause drivers to lose control.
The company also is recalling 10,000 2004 Chrysler Pacificas to repair loose fuel line connections.

Chrysler spokeswoman Angela Ford said no injuries have been reported in connection with the defects.

Chrysler said the lower ball joint seal in 2002 and some 2003 Jeep Liberties is wearing away, which could affect the vehicle's suspension. In addition to the 318,000 recalls, Chrysler plans to investigate 120,000 other 2003 Jeep Liberties to make sure they aren't affected.

Ford said Chrysler started an internal investigation after getting 10 complaints about lower ball joint failures. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received eight complaints about the Jeep Liberty's lower ball joints, including several that failed on new vehicles.

Ford said the recall is not related to NHTSA's ongoing investigation of upper ball joint failures on the Dodge Durango. NHTSA said earlier this year that it has received 81 complaints in that case, which involves Durangos made between 1998 and 2002.