PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 703,000 vehicles because of ignition key rotation problems.
"Chrysler Group is committed to vehicle and public safety," states a message on the Chrysler Group Recall Assistance hotline. "Chrysler has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2008 through 2010 model year Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, and some 2009 through 2010 Dodge Journey Vehicles."
Chrysler states the problem on the recall notice was sent to affected vehicle owners.
"Upon starting your vehicle the frequency operated button ignition key (FOBIK), may not fully seat in the 'ON' position. If not fully seated, under certain operating conditions (for example bumpy roads) the FOBIK could inadvertently move to the 'Accessory' mode. This could cause unintended engine shut off and the passive restraint systems, including the airbags to shut off. This could increase the risk of a crash under certain driving conditions and increase the risk of occupant injury during a crash."
A South Florida couple contacted the "Call Christina" hotline after receiving a recall notice pertaining to their 2009 Dodge Journey. Chrysler informed Jonathan and Laura Rollins that their vehicle would be repaired free of charge, but the replacement part required to remedy the problem was not available.
The Frightening Problem
The Rollins purchased the vehicle brand new in 2008 and claim to have had several issues since they drove it off the lot. Jonathan said the couple started experiencing problems with the ignition in 2014.
"We had problems with the ignition switch," Jonathan said. "The ignition switch would cause the car to cut off."
"The car won't move, I said, 'What's going on?'" Laura said. "And I said, I thank God I wasn't in the middle of an intersection. It (has) done it twice on me."
"We (were) having all types of problems --that's what made us come to you," he said. "(It is) a very hazardous problem that is unsafe to drive a vehicle. You're putting your life in danger and other people's life in danger too while you drive the vehicle."
Chrysler said the defect is only responsible for one accident with no injuries, but according to complaints received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some people have had close encounters.
One driver said, "Last week, my car stopped in the middle of the street, almost killing my children and I."
Another complaint said, "While driving at 50 mph, the vehicle stalled."
And another said, "Coming home off interstate with kids in the car – car shut off while going 40 mph in mid-curve!"
Repairing the Vehicle
"Chrysler intends to repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor)," the company states in the recall notice. "However, the part required to provide a permanent remedy for this condition is currently not available. Chrysler is making every effort to provide the part as quickly as possible. Chrysler will contact you again by mail, with a follow-up recall notice, when the remedy is available."
The Rollins claim the original recall notice came in October or November of last year, and they have yet to receive a follow-up or a replacement part from Chrysler.
"(We're) very skeptical about driving the car, taking the car places, stuff like that," Jonathan said.
When asked about the replacement parts, a spokesperson for FCA apologized for the inconvenience and said "affected customers will be advised when service is available."
"Over the last five full calendar years, FCA US has an average recall completion rate approaching 80 percent within 18 months of campaign launch," the spokesperson said.
A Temporary Solution
Until the recall is completed, the NHTSA says customers should remove all items from their key rings except the ignition key.
A FCA representative told Local 10 News some of the problems the Rollins have with the car are unrelated to the recall issue, but the Rollins' research leads them to believe otherwise.
"All the symptoms that the recall said we're having. We're having the same symptoms with the ignition switch," he said.
Right now, a local dealership is working with the couple to try and troubleshoot the problem so they can feel safe in their vehicle.
"Would I trust it out of town the car…you know my life, and I have my grandchildren life in my hand," she said.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles FCA US LLC statement:
"Parts were available following the launch of this recall in 2011, and within 18 months of the time when NHTSA was advised of the defect, more than 80% of the affected vehicles had been serviced. Since then a more robust remedy was developed. Affected customers will be advised when service is available. FCA US LLC urges customers to respond to recall notices. In the interim, we apologize to those who may be inconvenienced and invite customers with questions to call 1-800-853-1403.
All FCA US recalls comply fully with the regulations that govern recalls. For the vast majority of FCA US recalls, parts availability coincides with campaign launch.
Over the last five full calendar years, FCA US has an average recall completion rate approaching 80 percent within 18 months of campaign launch – the highest rate among the seven major U.S-market auto makers, and well above the industry average."
A spokeswoman for NHTSA tells Local 10 news they are keeping a close eye on repair completion rates.
Last year, NHTSA opened another recall query on expanding the model year to include 2010. In addition, some 2010 owners reported to NHTSA that they have experienced the defect condition after the recall remedy was applied.
It is still unknown when the replacement part will be available.
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