Chrysler Group said it would recall an undetermined number of older model SUVs in connection with an investigation of ignition switch performance.
“Engineers are working to develop a remedy and Chrysler is committing now to conduct a recall out of an abundance of caution,” the automaker said in a statement.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The automaker added it was “unaware of any related injuries” but knew of a single reported accident and a relatively small number of complaints involving 0.015% “of the subject vehicle population”.
“Preliminary investigation suggests an outside force, usually attributed to contact with the driver’s knee, may move ignition keys from the on position in certain 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Such an occurrence may cause engine stall, reducing braking power and making steering more difficult. Safety features such as frontal airbags may also be disabled,” Chrysler said.
It expects to identify affected customers and advise them by mid-September when they may schedule repair work.
About 792,300 vehicles are implicated – 649,900 in the U.S.; 28,800 in Canada; 12,800 in Mexico and 100,800 outside of the NAFTA region.
The Commander is no longer in production and the Grand Cherokee has since been completely redesigned; newer models are not subject to the recall.
Chrysler said owners of thee models are advised to assure there is clearance between their knees and the keys. As a further precaution, they are advised to remove all items from their key rings, leaving only their ignition keys.
This is the second recall of its kind for the automaker this year, taking the total to 1.68m.
