Nearly 67,000 Chrysler Pickups Recalled Because of Ignition System Problem
The end of the worst year for automobile recalls in history is ending the way it began, with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC announcing a voluntary recall of about 67,000 pickup trucks from model years 2006 and 2007 because of a problem with the ignition system that could cause the vehicles to move when the ignition key is turned, or even prevent the cars from starting altogether.
According to Chrysler, an internal company investigation discovered that certain pickups from the model years noted above may have been equipped with a spring wire in the clutch ignition interlock switch that differs from the wire that was used in previous switches, or switches made later. This alternate wire may break, resulting in a failure of the vehicles to start. In some rare cases, if drivers fail to follow specific recommended starting procedures, a vehicle may exhibit unintended movement when the ignition key is turned. These specific procedures include activating the parking brake, placing the shift lever into neutral and pressing the clutch pedal before turning the ignition key. Chrysler says at least one death has been linked to this problem so far.
The pickups affected by the recall include Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mitsubishi Raider pickups that were manufactured between July 2005 and June 2006. Switches that were made with the alternate wire were not used in vehicles manufactured before or after that date range. The Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider (which was manufactured by Chrysler under contract) trucks are no longer being manufactured. Of the nearly 67,000 pickups being recalled, around 55,000 of them are in the United States, while about 4,400 are in Canada and 7,600 are in Mexico.
The company plans to begin notifying those customers affected by this recall around Feb. 13, at which point they will replace the wire free of charge. In the meantime, they are advising those who are driving one of these vehicles to follow the recommended procedures mentioned above when starting their pickups.
Even before you receive your recall notice, if you decide to continue driving your vehicle, you should carefully follow the company’s instructions for starting it, in order to keep yourself and your family safe. When the notice comes, take your pickup truck in as soon as possible to have it repaired.
And if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident, and you believe a defective vehicle may have been a factor in the injury or death, please contact the experienced Texas Automotive Defect Lawyer at Hill Law Firm as soon as possible, to protect your rights.