NHTSA Investigates Chrysler Group Air Bag, Ignition Issues
Published: June 19th, 2014
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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.
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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Correction - GM never had the monopoly on airbag issues since Honda and Toyota have both had large recalls recently for airbag issues.
Sometimes I wonder what's worse, non-deployment or unintended air bag deployment.
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.
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.