As Chrysler minivans prepare for a recall, somewhere Toyota executives are breathing a sigh of relief. Some of the heat Toyota is feeling will be lifted as over 350,000 Chrysler minivans are recalled in a safety campaign launched by the automaker and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The defect in the minivans could be fatal for drivers in colder climates.
The minivans in question are models made between 2005 and 2006, the extremely popular Grand Caravan, Dodge Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country. All three models are being recalled for airbag issues. The recall will only affect models that were sold in 28 “salt belt states,” as well as parts of Canada, where winter conditions require salting of the roads and highways. In states with severe weather conditions and rough roads, airbag sensors in the minivans can crack causing them to get wet or damaged and putting the lives of drivers and passengers at risk. When the sensors are wet, the airbag might become inactive causing it to fail to deploy. Chrysler insists that this recall is a precautionary measure and notes that the minivans are all equipped with warning lights that will alert drivers of any malfunction. So far, no accidents or injuries caused by the malfunctioning airbags have been reported.
While it is unclear if this airbag issue is the first of many for Chrysler, it is certain that tougher standards for automakers and recall mania will continue. Even if it is a huge pain for big car companies, this is great news for drivers concerned with feeling safe on the road.
Related: Oakland, CA Defective Products Lawyer
