Chrysler is recalling 335,000 minivans for possible problems with the airbag system. The recall affects 2005 and 2006 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan vehicles.
The reason — the front crash sensors can crack in cold weather conditons and allow water to get into the sensor. That could turn on the airbag warning light and prevent the airbag from operating properly in an emergency.
The Los Angeles Times reports Chrysler is calling it a safety improvement campaign instead of a recall. Possibly because the word ‘recall’ is a dirty word right now because of the millions of cars Toyota has recalled for acceleration and brake problems. But, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, is calling it what it is — a recall — and is monitoring repairs.
Chrysler says the minivans affected by the recall are the ones sold or registered mostly in the northern half of the United States. Chrysler dealers will fix the problem for free by installing a new airbag sensor design.
For some unaccountable reason, the recall won’t start until June — which means at least 90 days affected owners will be driving with airbags that may — or may not — work. Please drive carefully.
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