Chrysler Recalling 2013MY 300, Charger and Ram 1500 Over 8-Speed Transmission Fracture Fears

A number of all-wheel drive Chrysler Group cars, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Ram 1500 equipped with a V6 engine and the 8-speed ZF 8HP45 automatic transmissions are being recalled because the company has detected that the transmission output shaft may fracture.

"Output shafts installed in some model-year 2013 vehicles were shaped using a two-stage forging method employed during early production," said the automaker in a statement. "The resulting components may be subject to fracture in rare circumstances."

Chrysler explained that, while it is unaware of any associated injuries or accidents, the transmission output shaft fracture could result in a loss of power on the move, and allow the car to roll when placed in 'Park' if the parking brake is not applied before exiting the vehicle.

The company said it has addressed the issue on newer transmission by replacing the two-stage forging method with a single-stage forging process.

As for the affected models, including 4,194 cars in the U.S., 1,424 in Canada and 45 outside the NAFTA region, the automaker will inspect and replace the transmissions, as necessary, free of charge, with the recall to begin in in January 2014.

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Chrysler 300 is No Match for Swift and Forceful Aussie Riot Squad

A disgruntled 58-year old former taxi driver sparked a tense situation during a two-hour standoff outside the Parliament House in Sydney, Australia, on Friday, when he parked his white Chrysler 300 and threatened to blow up the building by allegedly lighting two tanks with 20-liters of petrol on the passenger seat and another 19-liters in the boot.

Australian authorities took action and tactical operations officers smashed their way into his Chrysler apprehending the man, who has since been identified as Abdula Ganiji, with the entire scene playing on live television.

The Sydney Morning Herald said that Ganiji was protesting over a $200 fine he received…15 years and as it turns out, he had gone on a hunger strike outside the Parliament last year for the same reason, demanding at the time that Premier Barry O'Farrell launch a "full investigation" into a dispute he had with former employer Wollongong Radio Cabs.

Ganiji was refused bail during a court hearing on Saturday where it was revealed that police found a two-liter fruit juice container, fuel and a cigarette lighter in his car.

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