Fiat Chrysler recalling 703,000 SUVs, minivans to fix ignition-switch defect

According to documents posted by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Friday, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is issuing a recall of nearly 703,000 SUVs and minivans to fix faulty ignition switches.

The recall being issued by Fiat Chrysler affects Dodge Journey SUVs from model years 2009 and 2010; and Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans from model years 2008 to 2010.

About the ignition-switch defect prompting Fiat Chrysler to announce the recall of the mentioned vehicles, the automaker said that the defect can unexpectedly turn off the engine of the recalled vehicles.

The automaker further explained that the ignition switch in the vehicles being recalled may move into the off or accessory position, either due to bumpy road conditions or because of a loud noise. The defect can potentially cause the turning off of the vehicle engine; and can also disable air bags, power steering and power brakes.

Noting that the vehicles affected by the ignition-switch defect are being recalled to fix the problem, Fiat Chrysler said that it will likely start replacing the defective ignition switches for the 2008-2009 minivans and SUVs in April, and for the 2010 vehicles in August.

Meanwhile, till the repairs are made, Fiat Chrysler has warned the owners of recall-affected vehicles to remove everything but the ignition key from their key-rings, because swinging keys can help cause the switches to change position from ‘run’ to ‘off.’