Chrysler recalls 285k 2008-2009 minivans over fire risk

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For the second time in 2010, Chrysler minivans have landed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website for a major recall. Back in February, over 312,000 2005 and 2006 model-year Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans were recalled for an airbag issue. The latest recall involves 284,831 2008 and 2009 model year vehicles that "may contain an improperly routed wire harness may have a condition where the sliding door hinge bracket can make contact and wear through the wire insulation." If the wiring insulation wears down enough, a short circuit could occur inside the door, overheating the latch and possibly causing a fire.

Owners of affected vans manufactured between February and September 2007 can take them to the nearest Chrysler dealer for a free repair. Hit the jump to read over NHTSA's press release.


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[Source: NHTSA]
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Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
CHRYSLER / TOWN & COUNTRY 2008-2009
DODGE / GRAND CARAVAN 2008-2009

Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V235000

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 284831


Summary:

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2007. SOME OF THE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION.

Consequence:
A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE SLIDING DOOR, OVERHEATING THE LATCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy:
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.

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