Chrysler announced a recall of 349,442 cars and SUVs on Thursday due to reported faulty ignition switches. The problem causes the ignition switch to move out of its position, and the engine may shut off entirely while driving. Airbags also do not function properly because the sporadic nature of the switch may deactivate the safety feature altogether.
The recall covers the 2008 models of the Grand Cherokee SUVs, Jeep Commander, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300 sedans and the Dodge Magnum station wagon.
Ignition defects identified in Chrysler cars were similar to those observed in vehicles made by General Motors. The company refused to name its supplier, whereas GM revealed Delphi Automotive as the supplier, USA Today reported.
The affected Chrysler vehicles have ignition switches that suddenly shift to the "off" or "accessory" position after the car hits a bump on the road, or if the driver's knee accidentally touches the switch.
Chrysler admitted that one accident has been linked to the faulty ignition switch, but clarified that there have been no injuries or deaths so far.
"In the overall scheme of ignition-related problems, the recall by Chrysler is a small one," said Jack R. Nerad, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, an automobile research and pricing company.
"But it does indicate the importance of ignition systems and overall vehicle safety, an aspect that was not well understood as the General Motors ignition issues developed and were reported," he told The New York Times.
Customers who have bought the malfunctioning Chrysler cars have written to federal offices since 2008 to report the issue on sudden stalling.
"Since purchasing the vehicle I have stalled three times," a driver of the 2008 Jeep Commander said in a letter addressed to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The driver also expressed that he does not feel safe while driving the newly-purchased SUV.
