Chrysler expands ignition-switch recall to include 2008 models

Chrysler has expanded its ignition-switch recall to include nearly 350,000 vehicles from the 2008 model year.

The latest campaign adds the Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The company earlier this year acknowledged defective ignition switches in approximately 1.5 million vehicles from various model years, ranging from 2005 to 2011, but it did not include the vehicles listed in the latest announcement.

Echoing General Motors’ problems with the Cobalt and other models, Chrysler warns that ignition keys in affected vehicles may inadvertently hang in the ‘start’ position or flip too far back to ‘accessory’ or ‘off’ after starting the engine. The latter scenarios can result in engine shutdown, loss of power steering and airbag malfunction.

Chrysler cites a single minor accident that was “possibly related” to either condition, but the company maintains that it is unaware of any related injuries.

A time-frame for fixing the defective vehicles has not been announced.