Recalls: Chrysler recalls minivans and Dodge Journey over ignition switch concerns

Chrysler filed a new recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over similar concerns of ignition switch issues following the massive recall and tension with General Motors. As a result, Chrysler is recalling almost 700,000 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models, from 2008-2010, plus 2009-2010 Dodge Journey models over the same concern.

The models may have a bad wiring ignition node in switch, which could inhibit the function of the key ignition, despite it being in the “Run” position. From this bad part, the key could slip back into the “Accessory” position and disable the vehicle.

Of the 695,957 cars recalled, 525,206 are in the US, 102,892 are in Canada, 25,591 are in Mexico, and the remaining 42,268 are elsewhere in the world. Chrysler will contact owners of affected cars while allowing for a free repair of the cars.

Check out the release after the jump.

Statement: Expansion of Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) safety recall

July 1, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. – Out of an abundance of caution, Chrysler Group is expanding a previous safety recall to install a more robust WIN module detent ring.

A previous recall in 2010 included 196,000 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan and Dodge Journey vehicles built August 2, 2009 through June 17, 2010.

The expansion includes an additional 695,957 vehicles manufactured January 29, 2007 through August 1, 2009.

Vehicles equipped with a FOB key may experience inadvertent ignition switch displacement from the “run” to “accessory” position while driving. If the switch is not fully engaged in the “on” position of the detent ring inside the module, the spring-loaded switch may allow the key to spring past the “on” position and into the “accessory” position. This action will shut off the engine and passive restraint systems, including air bags.

The issue was originally identified through the Company’s internal quality control research and customer input. Chrysler Group is unaware of any injuries related to the expansion.

Chrysler Group dealers will, at no cost to customers, install the new WIN detent ring in affected vehicles.

Chrysler Group will contact affected customers and advise them when service is available.

An estimated 525,206 vehicles are located in the U.S.; 102,892 are in Canada; 25,591 are in Mexico and 42,268 are outside the NAFTA region.

Customers with additional questions may call Chrysler Group’s Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403.

RECALL Subject : Ignition Switch may Turn Off , 1 INVESTIGATION(S)

Report Receipt Date: JUN 26, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V373000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 438,109
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY 2008-2010
DODGE GRAND CARAVAN 2008-2010
DODGEJOURNEY 2009-2010

Details
Manufacturer: Chrysler Group LLC

SUMMARY:
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

REMEDY:
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will modify the ignition switch, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is L25. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.