DETROIT — The ignition switch defects that engulfed General Motors are
now a rapidly growing problem at Chrysler. Chrysler said Tuesday
it is recalling up to 792,300 older Jeep SUVs worldwide because the
ignition switches could fall out of the “run” position, shutting off the
engine and disabling air bags as well as power-assisted steering and
braking. That’s the same problem that has forced GM to recall
more than 15 million cars over the last six months. Chrysler’s recall
covers 2005-2007 Grand Cherokees and 2006-2007 Commanders. The
company said it is not sure exactly how many will be recalled, but
said it will notify customers by mid-September. Chrysler said an
outside force such as a driver’s knee can knock switches out of the
“run” position. Engineers are working on a fix.