Chrysler Group has ordered a recall of 349,442 cars and SUVs from the 2008 model year to fix faulty ignition switches that can move out of position and potentially could lead to the engine shutting off while driving and air bags not functioning.
Chrysler says ignitions keys on certain vehicles may not fully return to the "on" position after they are turned to start the engine. Instead, the key ends up between the "on" and "start" position. In that case, the windshield defroster and windshield wipers won't work.
The greater danger, which Chrysler calls "less probable," is that the key moves to the "accessory" or "off" position. In that happens, the car's engine will turn off, it will lose power steering and the air bags won't deploy.
Chrysler reports one accident with no injuries or deaths due to the issue.
Though embarrassing, Chrysler's latest ignition switch snafu pales in comparison that General Motors has faced over the same issue. GM's independent claims administrator acknowledges 21 deaths related to switches that can turn themselves off when jostled. It has recalled 2.6 million vehicles due to the issue.
Vehicles included in the Chrysler recall are 2008 Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Magnum station wagons, Chrysler 300 sedans, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. There are 292,224 vehicles in the U.S.; 18,976 in Canada; 4,947 in Mexico; and 33,295 elsewhere around the world, according to Chrysler.
Until the cars can be fixed, Chrysler is urging owners to confirm their ignition keys are set in the "on" position when they start their cars.
It's only the latest ignition switch recall for Chrysler in recent months. In July, Chrysler said it would be recalling an unknown number of older SUVs because of the switch could be moved to the "off" position if bumped by a knee in some models. They included 2006 and 2007 Jeep Commander and 2005 and 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.
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