Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country Recalled Over Fire Concern

Chrysler is recalling all Dodge Caravan and Town and Country minivans from 2008-09 due to a concern that an improperly installed wiring harness could cause a fire. According to a release issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall affects 284,831 vehicles in total. NHTSA says that the vehicles in question may use a “improperly routed” wiring harness that may become worn by the van’s sliding door. The wire insulation may then become worn which could lead to a short circuit, or possibly even a fire.

Owners of 2008 and 2009 model year vans (manufactured between February and September of 2007) are asked to contact their local Chrysler dealer for a fix.

This is the second recall for the Chrysler van duo in 2010. Both models were recently recalled for faulty airbags.

Official release after the jump:

PRESS RELEASE

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): CHRYSLER / TOWN & COUNTRY 2008-2009 DODGE / GRAND CARAVAN 2008-2009

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Potential Number of Units Affected: 284831 Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2007. SOME OF THE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPERLY ROUTED WIRE HARNESS THAT MAY HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE LOWER SLIDING DOOR HINGE BRACKET CAN MAKE CONTACT AND WEAR THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION.

Consequence: A SHORT CIRCUIT COULD OCCUR INSIDE THE SLIDING DOOR, OVERHEATING THE LATCH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.