Came out on June 12, 1995


Subject: The latest from Center for Auto Safety....

	Chris Lauer from CAS just sent me the press release in its
entirety.  Some papers only printed a fraction of the information,
however.

	"Chrysler Hit by Major NHTSA Investigation of Anti-lock Brakes--
CAS cites National Parts Back Order, ABS Repair Costs of $2-3,000"

	"Based on a request from the Center for Auto Safety (CAS), the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSS) has opened a high
level defect investigation of Bendix-10 anti-lock brakes (ABS) used in
expensive 1990-93 Chrysler New Yorkers, Fifth Avenues and Imperials as
well as the 1990-93 Eagle Premier, Dodge Dynasty and Monaco.  The same
ABS brake system is already under investigation in 1991-93 Chrysler minivans
with well over a half million vans and cars involved in both investigations.
	CAS Vehicle Safety staff Chris Lauer sought the expanded investigation
in an April 6, 1995 letter that provided NHTSA with an internal 
September 12, 1994 Chrysler Owner Relations memorandum that showed Bendix 10
ABS failure to be so widespread that parts were on national back order.  This
memorandum, which was not provided to NHTSA by Chrysler, confirmed that 
the ABS failure extended to Chrysler's cars as well as its vans.
	CAS itself has received nearly 100 reports of ABS failures in 
Chrysler vehicles.  Many owners report that they experienced complete
brake failure without any warning in their vehicle.  Some owners were
so terrified of driving their vehicles after repairs were made that
Chrysler bought their vehicles back.  The cost of repair is astronomical
with most owners reporting $2000 to $2500 repair bills with one owner
reporting a cost of $3500.
	According to a July 1994 NHTSA case summary, the vans along had
837 complaints on ABS failure including 26 accidents and 3 injuries.  Since
then, NHTSA has received an additional 467 complaints while Chrysler
provided an additional 616 complaints to NHTSA on April 28, 1995 bringing
the total reports of ABS failulre on 1991-93 Chrysler minivans to over
1,920.  Internal documents provided by Chrysler to NHTSA show soaring
warranty claims, back ordered parts and Chrysler service people who
"are desperate for a field fix" according to the minutes of a November 10,
1992 Chrysler Bendix meeting.

	Center for Auto Safety Executive Director Clarence Ditlow said:
We call on Chrysler to set up an emergency task force to find a fix for its
Bendix anti-lock brake failure and do a recall.  Chrysler owners drive at 
risk of brake failure without warning where only fate determines whether
they have a fatal accident.  Even if they avoid an accident, they are
hit with astronomical repair bills of $2000 to $3000 and have to wait
weeks for parts.  Consumers are not test drivers to be used as guinea pigs
while Chrysler leisurely comes up with a fix."