Feds add Chrysler to ignition, air bag probe

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By TOM KRISHER

DETROIT (AP) — A U.S. safety agency has opened two investigations into Chrysler minivans and SUVs as part of a widening inquiry into air bag and ignition switch problems across the U.S. auto industry.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began asking automakers and parts suppliers for information on the interrelated issues after General Motors recalled 2.6 million small cars with faulty ignition switches earlier this year. The switches can slip out of the "run" position, causing engines to stall and knocking out power steering and disabling the air bags. In some cases, drivers have lost control.

The defective switches are blamed by GM for at least 54 crashes and more than 13 deaths, but at least one member of Congress says the death toll could rise as high as 100.

After the GM recalls in February and March, NHTSA asked auto companies and parts makers for information on switches and how long air bags will inflate after the keys are moved out of the "run" position to "accessory" or "off." In many cases, the answer is less than a second.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20140618/us-chrysler-nhtsa-investigation-b3d27f0d4b.html

---

FILE - This July 17, 2007 file photo shows the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlsbad, Calif. On Wednesday, June 18, 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted documents on its website detailing an investigation of about 700,000 Dodge Journey SUVs and Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans from the 2008 to 2010 model years. The agency wants to see if the keys can fall out of the run position under {201c}harsh roadway conditions.{201d} (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi, File)

[dipsydoodle]

1. Ignition Switch Problems May Exist In Fiat Chrysler's Dodge, Chrysler And Jeep Models, Says NHTSA

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday it’s investigating whether certain Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep models contain a defect that could force the ignition key out of the run position, diabling airbags and causing a loss of power steering and brakes.

The safety watchdog agency made the announcement on the same day General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM) CEO Mary Barra faced House lawmakers over her company’s handling of a similar problem that led to a recall of millions of GM cars, and killed at least 13 people in 53 accidents.

The NHTSA opened two investigations involving almost 700,000 Chrysler Town & Country minivans, Dodge Grand Caravan minivans and Dodge Journey crossover SUVs from model years 2008 to 2010, and 525,000 Jeep Commanders and Jeep Cherokees from model years 2006 and 2007.

The first investigation (pdf) involves whether a 2011 Chrysler recall was extensive enough. Chrysler said at the time the problem only affected 2010 models of the Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, but the NHTSA says it has reports from consumers that say 2008 and 2009 models were also affected.

http://www.ibtimes.com/ignition-switch-problems-may-exist-fiat-chryslers-dodge-chrysler-jeep-models-says-nhtsa-1605104