Chrysler is calling back 780,000 minivans to address third-row power window vent switches that could overheat and potentially cause a vehicle fire.
After a series of warranty claims caught its attention, Chrysler launched an investigation that found beverage spills and direct exposure to moisture from rain, snow or washes can cause the third-row vent switches to short circuit.
No accidents or injuries have been linked to the issue, but there have been 36 instances of overheating along with an undisclosed amount of fires.
“Some incidents involved fire, many did not,” Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne told Automotive News. “In each case, damage was confined to areas of the driver’s door,” where the switch is located.
Chrysler has not announced when the recall will begin, though starting Wednesday owners can visit dealers to have the vent switches disconnected as a temporary measure.
The recall affects certain model year 2010-14 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans, including 644,850 sold in the United States, 106,980 in Canada, 8,009 in Mexico and 20,638 outside of North America.
No word on whether the Volkswagen Routan, a close relative of Chrysler’s minivans, will also be recalled.
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