Chrysler will recall at least 792,300 Jeep SUVs worldwide, including 30,000 from Canada, due to the same faulty ignition switch problem that has recently engulfed General Motors.
The SUVs that are being recalled include 2005-2007 Grand Cherokees and 2006-2007 Jeep Commanders. The manufacturer is unsure as to how many of these vehicles will be recalled, but they will be notifying owners in mid-September.
The problem with these ignition switches is that an external source, such as the driver’s knee, can knock the switch out of the “run” position, shutting off the engine and disabling airbags along with power assisted steering and braking.
The investigation into the Jeep Commanders and Cherokees began after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 32 complaints about the potential issue. There are no reported injuries related to the issue, but one accident has already been linked to the Jeep recall.
This is the exact same problem that has caused GM to recall more than 15 million cars and has sent them into a whirlwind of lawsuits and victim compensation pay outs.
The recall, which was announced Tuesday, is the result of two investigations opened by the U.S. safety regulators last month as a broader probe into the ignition switch and airbag problems that are plaguing the auto industry. The case is still open, but it has not yet been released if the recalls could include other automakers.
