Recall 00V180000: Master Cylinder Snap Ring Defect

Non-ABS equipped passenger vehicles. The brake master cylinder piston retainer snap ring may have been bent inward during the assembly process. The master cylinder piston may be in a "brake applied" position due to the damaged piston retainer snap ring. When the piston is in the applied position, the fluid compensation ports are closed which results in a brake drag condition.

If the brake overheat, brake fading could lead to an increase in needed stopping distance. Should a driver not anticipate the extra stopping distance, this condition could cause a crash.

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder. Owner notification began July 24, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-992-1997. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).