(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-09-15 14:36

Detroit - Automaker Chrysler LLC said on Friday it is recalling almost 369,000 vehicles for problems with brake systems and door latches and locks.

A row of new Chrysler-made Jeep Grand Cherokees are seen at the Pro Chrysler dealership in Thornton, Colorado May 14, 2007. Automaker Chrysler LLC said on Friday it is recalling almost 369,000 vehicles for problems with brake systems and door latches and locks. [Reuters]

Chrysler, which was taken private by Cerberus Capital Management in a US$7.4-billion deal last month, said it is recalling 296,550 sport utility vehicles for the brake-related problem.

The vehicles affected include Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Commander SUVs for the 2006 and 2007 model years and the 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Nitro.

Chrysler said a glitch in an electronic control unit could cause a delay in braking when the vehicles are driving uphill. The automaker has had about 20 reports of such problems, said spokesman Max Gates.

"It's a very rare occurrence," Gates said. "But we have had reports of drivers experiencing problems when they take their foot off the accelerator."

When drivers in one of the affected vehicles stop accelerating up a hill, that can trigger a momentary loss of braking power for a second or two, Gates said.

The automaker said it was aware of one accident that could have been caused by the problem.

Owners of the SUVs affected by the recall will be notified this month and repair work will be done at no charge, Chrysler said.

The automaker, which ranks as the fourth-largest in US sales, also said it is recalling about 72,333 2008 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger sedans because of a potential problem with a cable connected to the front door latches in the vehicles.