Apparently on models equipped with a manual transmission the parking brake can lose effectiveness and allow the car to roll possibly causing a crash.

We hope Chrysler can deal with fixing the cars for all the buyers of manual transmission equipped Liberty and Nitro models. All five of them. Who buys a manual on a “cute-ute” SUV anyways? In our opinion, buying a manual transmission on a vehicle that is so clearly designed to function better with an automatic is downright silly and you get what you deserve.

Again, if these cars had automatics they would be relying a lot less on their parking brakes. Many people foolishly leave their manual transmissions in neutral when they park. These vehicles therefore need fully functioning parking brakes. If your automatic is in park, it isn’t going anywhere. S ee why this problem with these parking brakes on the Nitro and Liberty is such a big deal?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explained the problem with the parking brake as pretty much a manufacturing defect. “The parking brake level clutch drum may distort and reduce the effectiveness of the parking brake system which could allow the vehicle to move inadvertently and cause a crash without warning."  

According to Chrysler, all work will be carried out free of charge at any Chrysler/Jeep dealership. In addition, the company has a “longstanding policy and practice of reimbursing owners who have incurred the cost of repairing a problem.” So does that mean they will reimburse you for the emotional cost of having your Nitro run over Fluffy the cat when the SUV rolls back in the driveway unexpectedly? Is there really a price to be put on the life of a family pet as belov ed as Fluffy the cat?

Our view? Chrysler is hanging on the precipice of oblivion as it is and needs to, pardon the expression, cut out the cost cutting. Quality parts make a quality vehicle and equal a quality long term relationship with your customers. Chrysler has never understood this equation.