Chrysler says it is investigating electronic problems in its cars that could affect millions of its most popular cars and trucks and minivans, according to USA Today reporter James Healey.
The investigation, you can bet, is being mirrored by government safety regulators, quietly looking at the same and more complaints about electronic problems, including engine stalling complaints. Federal safety investigators at NHTSA start their safety investigations low and slow, often going unnoticed by the media. But you can bet Chrysler is watching carefully.
The Center for Auto Safety, a consumer watchdog group, filed a petition requesting federal safety investigators take a close look at the numerous consumer-owner complaints that they say are linked to the Chrysler "total integraed power module" that controls a vehicle's computer "brain." Chrysler has said that it had an investigation already underway but has not said when it actually started. That date could be a clue on when the quantity of complaints rose to a level that caught Chrysler's attention.
Apparently there are hundreds of complaints and some say the vehicle can quit running, leaving the operator facing a dangerous traffic situation that can cause an accident or injury to the driver or other drivers.
Apparently power windows, theft alarms, even the ignition system could be affected by a faulty TIPM module, raising a risk of stalling that can kill the engine and shut off power assist to steering and braking systems. USA Today reports that in some models it can disable the airbag systems too.
No doubt about it, this can be a deadly defect. If your Chrysler vehicle has any electronic problem at all, don't take a chance. Get it in to your dealer immediately. If they stall you, ask them point blank if your problem can lead to stalling. If you get a run around, then demand they give you a loaner.
You don't want to be driving a stalling Chrysler on the highway.
Remember, in Ohio a dealer only gets one chance to fix a deadly defect. The second time it happens, you've got a lemon. And when you get a lemon, you are entitled to your money back or a replacement. Who knows - maybe they'll fix it in time for the replacement they build you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Known nationwide as a leading Lemon Law attorney, Ronald L. Burdge has represented literally thousands of consumers in "lemon" lawsuits and actively co-counsels and coaches other Consumer Law attorneys. From 2005 through 2018, attorney Ronald L. Burdge has been named as the only Lemon Law Ohio Super Lawyer by Law and Politics magazine and Thomson Reuters Corp., Professional Division. Burdge restricts his practice to Lemon Law and Consumer Law cases. The Ohio Super Lawyer results are published annually in the January issue of Cincinnati Magazine. Ronald L. Burdge was named Consumer Law Trial Lawyer of the Year 2004 by the National Association of Consumer Advocates, the nation's largest organization of consumer law private and government attorneys. "Your impact on the auto industry has been magnified many times over because of the trail you blazed for others," stated NACA's Executive Director, Will Ogburn. Burdge has represented thousands of consumers in Ohio, Kentucky and elsewhere since 1978 and is a frequent lecturer to national, state and local Bar Associations and Judicial organizations. Burdge is admitted to Ohio's state and federal courts, Kentucky's state courts, and Indiana's federal courts. Other court admissions are on a "pro hac" temporary, case by cases basis.