Chrysler has issued a recall notice for nearly 210,000 Jeep Liberty SUVs sold or operated in the so-called "salt belt" states of the U.S. According to Chrysler, the rear suspension of the Jeeps may corrode and break after excessive exposure to winter road salt. Failure of the rear lower control arms may cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a collision.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the recall notice affects Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicles made from July 2003 and July 2005. Of particular concerns are the Jeep Liberty models sold or currently registered in the following areas of the U.S.:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Washington. D.C.

Chrysler will notify Jeep Liberty owners affected by this recall to bring their vehicles to local dealerships where mechanics will replace the lower rear control arms free of charge.

According to NHTSA, Chrysler is expected to begin the recall notifications by the end of April.

For more information, consumers can call Chrysler's toll-free customer support line (800-853-1403) and reference Chrysler's safety recall number L27 or visit the NHTSA website: www.SaferCar.gov

Recall: 2004-05 Jeep Liberty - Rear suspension&; Campaign ID#: 12V085000 [NHTSA]
Recall roundup: 2004 - 2005 Jeep Liberty [InAutoNews]