New plan to fix Chrysler minivans released

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., March 8 (UPI) -- More than 703,000 Chrysler minivans and SUVs are headed back to the repair shop to fix malfunctioning ignition switches.

The automaker is warning owners to remove everything but the ignition key from key rings until repairs have been made. The defect can cause the engine to shut off without warning, knockings out the power steering and brakes, and disabling airbags.

According to USA Today, the recall, for many of the vehicles the second patch for the same problem, covers Dodge Journey SUVs as well as Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan minivans from the 2008 through 2010 model years.

Chrysler representatives said the company will replace the faulty switches, but the parts are now being manufactured and won't be available until at least April.

General Motors experienced a similar ignition switch problem and recalled 2.6 million small cars last year. At least 57 people were killed and more than 90 injured in crashes linked to the defective GM switches.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating the Chrysler vehicles in June, after problems surfaced with the GM ignition switches. Chrysler and the safety agency received 89 consumer complaints about the switches with one accident report and no injuries, the documents stated.