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Chrysler Sued Over Ignition Switch Flaw
Chrysler Group LLC s decision last week to fix ignition switches in 792,300 Jeep SUVs worldwide has spawned its first lawsuit.
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Chrysler Group LLC s decision last week to fix ignition switches in 792,300 Jeep SUVs worldwide has spawned its first lawsuit.
Chrysler says the affected switches can be bumped out of the "on" position by the driver's knee, thereby turning off the engine and disabling the power steering, power brake and airbag systems.
The proposed class-action complaint filed Monday in California seeks class-action status. The lawsuit by Jeep Grand Cherokee owner Latoya Lumpkin mirrors more than 100 similar complaints filed earlier over ignition switches recalled by General Motors Co.
Lumpkin's lawsuit demands damages to cover diminished value, lost use and repair costs and asks the court to order the recalled Jeeps off the road until they are fixed.
Chrysler engineers are still looking for a remedy to the problem. Last week the company said the accidental shut-off flaw is unrelated to a defect that produces the same effect in 944,400 minivans and crossover vehicles Chrysler began recalling in 2011.
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