FCA Ignition-Switch Recall Expands to 702,600 Units

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV is expanding a recall to repair ignition switches that could be jolted out of the "on" position, thus turning off the engine and disabling the power steering, power brakes and airbag system.

The extension brings to 702,600 the number of vehicles involved. The campaign covers 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans and 2009-2010 Dodge Journey crossovers.

Chrysler began recalling some of the affected vehicles last September. It plans to launch a second notification next month.

The size of the recall has grown from an initial estimate of 196,000 in 2011 to 438,100 last autumn to 702,600 last month.

The campaign is unrelated to FCA's announced plan last year to recall 792,300 Jeep SUVs with faulty ignition switches that can be bumped out of the "on" position by the driver's knee. That campaign targets 2006-2007 Jeep Commander and 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee models.

In all cases, FCA is urging owners of affected vehicles to use the ignition key alone (without a key ring or fob) until the switch can be repaired.

The flawed FCA switches were made by a different supplier than those that prompted General Motors Co. last year to recall 2.6 million cars. The nature of the defect is different, and FCA will fix rather than replace the entire switch as GM is doing.