Chrysler and Honda Vehicle Recalls

Chrysler has decided to recall almost 300,000 sport utility vehicles after there were problems with the vehicles ability to brake while driving uphill. They are also recalling more than 156,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Commander SUVs from the 2006-2007 model years, more than 90,000 2007 Jeep Wrangler SUVs, and about 50,000 2007 Dodge Nitro SUVs. They are also recalling 72,333 Dodge Avenger sedans and Chrysler Sebring convertibles from the 2008 model year for problems with the front door latches and locks.

Chrysler has received about 20 complaints of vehicles having a delay in braking when the drivers tried to stop after going uphill. There has been one crash and no injuries reported. To fix this problem, the computer connected to the antilock brake system will be reprogrammed.

Honda is recalling more than 180,000 Civics from the 2006-2007 model years to fix a wheel-bearing seal that could possibly leak and cause a wheel fall of the car. The seal where the antilock brake sensor mounts to the rear wheel bearing could allow moisture and salt to leak into the wheel bearing and cause corrosion, which could make the wheel fall off and cause a car crash. They have received two complaints relating to this problem. No injuries were reported.

Medicare Won’t Pay for Hospital Errors

It is reported that in a policy change, the Bush administration officials say that from now on Medicare will no longer pay the extra costs of treating preventable errors, injuries, and infections that happen in hospitals. That includes bedsores, pressure ulcers, injuries caused by falls, and infections resulting from the prolonged use of catheters in blood vessels or the bladder. They also plan not to pay for things like leaving a sponge or other object in a patient during surgery and giving a patient incompatible blood or blood products. Private insurers are thinking about making the same changes. It suppose to force hospitals to be more careful about the care of their patients and save millions of dollars.