Chrysler Group and Volkswagen are the latest automakers to be affected by defective ignition switches that make airbags inoperative. Only in this recall the supplier is not Delphi, which supplied GM, but a company called Methode Electronics of Golden, IL. Methode has design and manufacturing facilities in China. Almost 1,000,000 vehicles are affected, if the drivers’ knee hits the key fob the engine shuts off.
Chrysler will notify owners in September 2014. The fix for this recall is still under development. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is P41. NHTSA forced this one with an information request based on the number of complains it received. Chrysler said it is aware of one accident.Â
On 2009 VW Routan models (as well as 2005-2007 Jeep models) if the ignition switches move into the Off or Accessory position, the engine will turn shut down, which then depowers various key safety systems including – but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. This recall at VW is an expansion of a previous NHTSA Recall No. 11V-151. The Routan is a re-badged Chrysler minivan.
In a separate VW recall, 2009-2014 Tiguan vehicles manufactured from July 2007 to June 2014 have a defective fuel pump. When using winterized fuel bubbles may form in the fuel system which could result in the vehicle stalling. More than 151,000 vehicles are affected.
