Associated Press, "Chrysler announces recalls affecting about 583,000 vehicles" ["Park-to-Reverse" transmission problems]

          DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group said Friday that it would voluntarily recall about 300,000 vehicles with a potential defect that could prevent the driver from placing the transmission in "park."

          The recall involves some 2005 model year Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum, Dodge Dakota/Mitsubishi Raider pickups and Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with some six-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions.

          A Chrysler spokesman said that a plug inside the transmission may be missing or improperly staked, potentially preventing the driver from placing the shifter in the "park" position. No accidents or injuries have been associated with the possible defect, he said.

          Dealers will repair the transmission by installing a bracket at no cost to owners. Until the repair is made, owners should use the parking brake to secure the vehicle when parked, Gates said.

          Chrysler also said it was voluntarily recalling about 283,000 Dodge Ram pickups from the 2003-2005 model years equipped with diesel engines and automatic transmissions to correct possible inadvertent movement of the vehicles.

          Chrysler has notified the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration of both recalls.