Car News

Dodge Recalls Grand Caravan for Airbag Flaw

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Dodge brand is recalling Grand Caravan minivans in Canada to replace wiring harnesses that could cause an inadvertent airbag deployment.

In more than 86,000 of these popular vans, an electrical short in the wiring harness for the steering wheel could set off the driver's frontal airbag unnecessarily and without warning.

While Transport Canada warns such a deployment could cause minor injuries to those inside the vehicle, the main concern is it would almost certainly startle the driver and could lead to a crash -- in which case, the driver would no longer have the protection of a frontal airbag.

Transport Canada says Dodge dealers will inspect the wiring harness in the affected vans -- sold as 2011 and 2012 models -- and replace it as necessary, along with installing a protective covering on the new harness.