The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Monday that it has authorized an engineering analysis of possible defects in 1.16 million minivans, SUVs and trucks from the Chrysler division of DaimlerChrysler.

Targets of the investigation include front airbag crash sensors in 2005 and 2006 model-year Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans, as well as steering wheel and shaft coupling bolts in 2004-2006 Dodge Durango SUVs and 2005-2006 Dodge Dakota pickups.

The outcome of NHTSA's engineering analysis will determine whether or not any safety recalls are necessary.

[Source: Reuters]