AUBURN HILLS, Mich., and HERNDON, Va. -

Add more than a million vehicles to this year’s record-breaking total of recalls as Chrysler Group and Volkswagen of America rolled out a combined three separate campaigns.

With this year’s total now well above 20 million in the U.S. alone, the figure grew because Chrysler’s newest two campaigns stem from an alternator issue and the other being the need to relocate an electrical connection.

The alternator issue involves approximately 470,000 cars and SUVs globally. But according to the automaker, the recall is limited to vehicles equipped with electric hydraulic steering and 3.6-liter V-6 engines. Affected are model-year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Challenger coupes, Dodge Durango SUVs from the 2011 through 2014 model years and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs from the 2012 through 2014 model years.

“The action will eliminate a condition that may potentially drain the battery, leading to loss of electrical power which may increase steering effort, decrease brake effectiveness, cause stability-control deactivation, stalling and — in the most severe case — initiate fire at the alternator,” OEM officials said.

“Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or incidents involving fire. The company is aware of one accident that was potentially related to this campaign,” they added.

Chrysler indicated an estimated 434,581 recalled units are in the U.S.; 16,080 are in Canada; 2,335 are in Mexico and 17,000 are outside the NAFTA region.

All affected customers will be notified next month by Chrysler and the service cost will be borne by the company.

Meanwhile, Chrysler is also recalling approximately 437,000 SUVs globally to relocate an electrical connection

Officials explained the action follows an investigation by Chrysler engineers after the company was advised of three cases in which a wiring harness for a power side-view mirror exhibited signs of overheating.

Affected units are certain Jeep Wrangler SUVs from the 2011 through 2013 model years. Officials indicated approximately 313,236 are in the U.S.; 39,627 are in Canada; 5,685 in Mexico and 78,369 outside the NAFTA region.

“The cases appeared to be localized in Canada and related to winter driving conditions,” the automaker said. “Engineers later determined an electrical connector that supplies power to a side-view mirror may be subject to moisture exposure.

“The power feed will be shifted to an alternate source and the existing connection will be equipped with a protective shield,” the company continued.

Chrysler stressed it is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

In regard to both campaigns, customers with questions can call Chrysler Group’s Customer Information Center at (800) 853-1403.

Volkswagen Recalls Jetta & Beetle

Volkswagen notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it will be issuing a voluntary safety recall affecting the trailing arms on the torsion beam rear suspension of certain Volkswagen Jetta sedans from the 2011 through 2013 model years, and certain Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles from the 2012 and 2013 model years.

The automaker indicated the recall affects approximately 400,602 model year Jettas, and 41,663 Beetles

“In isolated cases, it is possible that a rear or a side-rear collision could lead to damage of the rear suspension trailing arms,” the OEM said. “If the damage is not detected and is then not repaired, this can later cause the trailing arm to fracture suddenly, resulting in a loss of vehicle stability. Potentially, this could lead to a crash.

To address the issue, Volkswagen dealers will inspect the rear suspension of vehicles that have been involved in rear or side-rear collisions to determine whether the trailing arms have been damaged.

On vehicles that do not have damaged trailing arms, the franchised dealer will fit a sheet-metal inlay on the rear trailing arms.

“This will emit a distinctive sound if the car is later involved in a rear-end collision, which will be a signal for the owner to take the car to an authorized Volkswagen dealership for inspection,” officials said.

VW added these actions will be performed free of charge to the customer.

No accidents or injuries related to this issue have been reported, according to the company. Volkswagen said it will notify all owners of affected vehicles and will instruct them to arrange for an appointment with a franchised dealer.