(July 23, 2014) Chrysler Group will recall as many as 792,300 model year 2006-07 Jeep Commanders and 2005-06 Jeep Grand Cherokees globally to fix ignition switches that could be knocked out of the “on” position, causing a stall and possible loss of power to the airbags.

Engineers are still developing a fix, and the company says it is initiating a recall “out of an abundance of caution.”

The SUV recall is unrelated to an earlier recall involving 2009-10 Dodge Journeys, 2008-10 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2008-10 Chrysler Town & Country minivans for the same reason, a spokesman for Chrysler said today.

Chrysler said it is unaware of any related injuries. The company is aware of a single reported accident and a relatively small number of complaints involving 0.015 percent of the subject vehicle population.
 
According to Chrysler, preliminary investigation suggests an outside force, usually attributed to contact with the driver’s knee, may move ignition keys from the “on” position in certain model-year 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Such an occurrence may cause engine stall, reducing braking power and making steering more difficult. Safety features such as frontal airbags may also be disabled.
 
The company expects to identify affected customers and advise them by mid-September when they may schedule service, the cost of which will be borne by Chrysler Group. This timing complies with regulations governing recalls and owner notification.
 
The precise number of affected vehicles will be determined by the investigation. Approximately 792,300 are implicated — 649,900 in the U.S.; 28,800 in Canada; 12,800 in Mexico and 100,800 outside of the NAFTA region. The Commander is no longer in production and the Grand Cherokee has since been completely redesigned; newer models are not subject to the recall.
 
Owners of model-year 2006-2007 Jeep Commanders and 2005-2007 Grand Cherokees are advised to assure there is clearance between their knees and the keys. As a further precaution, they are advised to remove all items from their key rings, leaving only their ignition keys.
 
Concerned customers may also call Chrysler Group’s Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

Sources: Chrysler Group, Automotive News