Chrysler Group LLC is recalling nearly 292,000 vehicles because of a problem with the ignition switch.
The latest recall affects 2008 vehicles, including the Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee S.U.V.s, earlier models of which were recalled in July for the same problem. The new recall covers Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee SUVs, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans and Dodge Magnum wagons from the 2008 model year. The company is also recalling 2008 models of the Chrysler 300 sedan, the Dodge Charger sedan and the Dodge Magnum station wagon. All were built before May 12, 2008.
Chrysler says that it knows of only one accident related to this problem, but hasn’t stated which of the two scenarios caused it. No injuries were associated with the accident. The ignitions may not fully return to the “on” position after being started. The switches could move to “accessory” or “off.” That could shut off the engine and knock out power-assisted steering and other features.
The company has been hit by a recall crisis, admitting it made a mistake by waiting a decade before ordering a recall of millions of cars with an ignition problem now tied to 27 deaths. Chrysler will notify customers when they can schedule service for the ignition key. Until then, the company advises owners to confirm that the key is in the “On” position after they start their cars.
Separately, NHTSA notified Chrysler it will conduct a probe of a complain filed by the Center for Auto Safety charging that the auto maker’s Totally Integrated Power Modules–installed on most vehicles after 2007–can cause engine stalling and disable air bags when they fail. The petition includes 70 complaints.
Chrysler’s other recall is for an alternator that can cause a car to stall while driving. All totaled, Chrysler recalled 900,000 cars nationwide.
