Chrysler recalls 955,000 minivans because of air bags

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Chrysler is recalling 955,000 minivans because an electrical problem could cause the driver's side air bag to fail.

The vehicles affected are the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager, and Chrysler Town and Country from the 1998-2000 model years.

Four people have been injured in crashes because of the defect, according to records submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

There also have been 782 complaints about the defect to Chrysler and NHTSA.

The defect involves a clockspring that supplies current to the driver's side air bag, the horn and the cruise control. If the clockspring is working properly, the air bag warning light will illuminate for a few seconds when the vehicle is started. If the air bag warning light isn't working properly, the clockspring may have failed.

Chrysler said dealers will replace the clockspring for free on vehicles with less than 70,000 miles. The company will extend the warranty on the clockspring for vehicles with more than 70,000 miles.

Chrysler recalled 1996-1998 model year minivans in 2002 because of the same defect, the NHTSA said.

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