Chrysler said it is recalling “an undetermined number” of older-model SUVs as part of an investigation of ignition-switch performance. The exact number of affected vehicles will be determined by the investigation, but there are approximately 792,300 Jeep SUVs targeted: 649,900 in the U.S., 28,800 in Canada, 12,800 in Mexico and 100,800 outside of the NAFTA region.

According to preliminary investigation, an outside force, usually attributed to contact with the driver’s knee, may move ignition keys from the “on” position in certain model-year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. If that happens, the engine may stall, reducing braking power and making steering more difficult. Safety features such as frontal airbags may also be disabled, Chrysler said in a statement.

The automaker added that engineers are working to develop a remedy and the company is committing to conduct a recall “out of an abundance of caution.” Chrysler is unaware of any related injuries, but knows of a single reported accident and of a relatively small number of complaints involving 0.015 percent vehicles involved.

Chrysler advises owners of model-year 2006-2007 Jeep Commanders and 2005-2007 Grand Cherokees “to assure there is clearance between their knees and the keys.” Furthermore, they are advised to remove all items from their key rings, leaving only their ignition keys. Haven’t we heard that before somewhere?

The Jeep Commander is no longer in production and the Grand Cherokee has since been completely redesigned, with newer models not being subject to the recall. Chrysler will advise affected customers by mid-September when they may schedule service. The automaker will pay for the fix.

In a separate action, Chrysler announced the recall of approximately 21,000 vehicles to inspect and, if necessary, replace the shocks and/or struts, which may not meet the company’s quality standards. The components may break free from their mounts, which could potentially lead to reduced shock damping and possible loss of vehicle control.

Affected are certain 2014 Ram 1500 pickups, 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUVs and 2015 Chrysler 200 sedans assembled within a 16-day period ending June 6 of 2014. An estimated 14,300 vehicles are in the U.S., 5,300 in Canada, 160 in Mexico and 2,000 outside the NAFTA region.

By Dan Mihalascu

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