Chrysler Recalls 350,000 Older Cars to Fix Ignition Switches

defective ignition switches that can cause the vehicles to stall.

The switches can slip out of the “on” position, a problem similar to the one that forced General Motors to recall millions of vehicles this year. Chrysler’s recall includes Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee SUVs, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, and Dodge Magnum wagons from the 2008 model year, the Associated Press (AP) reports. All the vehicles were built before May 12, 2008. The recall stems from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigations into ignition switch problems in the wake of the massive GM recalls.

Chrysler says that after being turned to the “start” position the ignition may not fully return to the “on” position. If the switch lodges between “start” and “on,” the windshield wipers and defroster may not work. If the switch moves to “accessory” or “off,” the engine could shut off and disable power-assisted steering and other systems. The automaker says it knows of one crash but no injuries related to the problem, the AP reports.

The company is still determining the cause of the switch problem and how to repair it, according to a spokesperson. Chrysler is advising owners to use the key without a keychain or other attachments and confirm that the switch returns to the “on” position after the car is started, according to the AP.

In 2011, Chrysler recalled 196,000 Dodge Journey SUVs and Dodge Caravan and 2007 to 2009 Chrysler Town & Country minivans to fix their ignition switches. In the wake of the GM recalls, Chrysler recalled 696,000 minivans and 696,000 minivans and SUVs from the 2007 to 2010 model years, the AP says. In July, Chrysler recalled 792,300 Commander and Grand Cherokee SUVs from the 2005-07 model years for the same issue.