NHTSA Investigates Chrysler Group Air Bag, Ignition Issues

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

General Motors no longer has the monopoly on ignition and air bag problems, as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Chrysler Group over those very issues.

Detroit Free Press reports the agency has opened two investigations into 1.2 million vehicles as follows:

  • 2005 – 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee; 2006 – 2007 Jeep Commander: Faulty air bags; 700,000 under preliminary investigation
  • 2008 – 2010 Dodge Journey; 2010 Chrysler Town & Country; 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan: Ignition switches shifting out of “on” position; 525,000 under recall query

The NHTSA received 23 complaints over air bags problems, though none involved non-deployment, and 32 complaints about the ignition switch. Both parties are working to find any links to the problems, though no more information has been made available thus far.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Mike978 Mike978 on Jun 19, 2014

    Correction - GM never had the monopoly on airbag issues since Honda and Toyota have both had large recalls recently for airbag issues.

    • Afedaken Afedaken on Jun 19, 2014

      I wonder who thier suppliers are? To believe the reports, things are pretty incestuous between suppliers and manufacturers these days. Maybe Mopar and the transplants are drinking at the same trough?

  • Danio3834 Danio3834 on Jun 19, 2014

    Sometimes I wonder what's worse, non-deployment or unintended air bag deployment.

    • See 2 previous
    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on Jun 19, 2014

      @SexCpotatoes - post MVC deployment of airbags is a common enough occurrence that warrants training paramedics how to safely approach a patient inside a vehicle.

  • Hummer Hummer on Jun 19, 2014

    Still waiting for the H3T and possibly H3 air bag problems to come up. The seat frame allows too much give and can trigger the side curtain airbags in certain conditions.

  • JohnnyFirebird JohnnyFirebird on Jun 19, 2014

    The 2008-2010 Caravan ignition is awful. Much like the Mercedes designs of that era, it's hard to place how much torque you need to turn the vehicle on, but with Dodge it's compounded by the very, very cheap keys that will crack when overtwisted (Mercedes's are a bit more solid). Changing out the spring on the ignitions helps, but not a whole lot.

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