Chrysler expands ignition recall by 695,957 vehicles

Dodge Grand Caravan, Journey, and Chrysler Town and Country affected

Chrysler 
Chrysler is expanding an earlier recall of 196,000 cars for an ignition switch issue. 

Chrysler has announced that it is recalling certain Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Journey, and Dodge Grand Caravan models for an issue with the ignition system. The problem is similar to that which has forced a widespread recall of a number of General Motors vehicles over the past few months, though the parts on the Chrysler and Dodge vehicles are not related to those on GM vehicles.

The problem, however, is eerily similar: The ignition key in the affected Chrysler and Dodge vehicles can also inadvertently move into the "Off" or "Accessory" position, turning the engine off, which in turn depowers various key systems including the airbags, power steering, and power braking. In the event of a crash following an accidental rotation of the key the airbags would fail to deploy. An earlier recall for the same issue included 196,000 vehicles from the 2010 model year.

A total of 695,957 vehicles are a part of this recall, which includes certain 2009-2010 Dodge Journeys made between June 29, 2007 and June 17, 2010, and Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans from the 2008-2010 model years made between January 26, 2007 and June 17, 2010. The latter are largely identical underneath, aside from unique front and rear fascias and some sheetmetal, and proportionally they make up the bulk of this recall.

Chrysler says that until the recall is performed, owners of these three vehicles should remove all items from their key rings, including the key fob, leaving only the ignition key. The company has not yet provided a notification schedule, or indicated how soon a fix for this issue will be available.

Owners can contact Chrysler about this recall at (800) 853-1403 and use the recall code L25. Owners can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 (TTY 800-424-9153) or visit the recall website here.