November 15, 2005
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating potential safety hazards in Chrysler/Dodge minivans, Mercedes sedans and Hyundai Sonata sedans. The investigations are the first step in what could eventually become a recall of any or all of the affected models.
Grand Caravan/Town & Country Minivans
NHTSA said it has received complaints about the failure of front air bag crash sensors. The preliminary investigation involves about 410,000 vehicles.
NHTSA reports on its Web site that the agency has received five complaints describing failure in 2005 model year minivans of the front air bag crash sensors, which are located behind the front bumper.
In every case a dealer replaced the front crash sensors after receiving questions about the air bag warning lamp coming on. NHTSA says the sensors may have failed because of corrosion.
Mercedes-Benz
NHTSA is also investigating 2000-2001 models of the Mercedes-Benz S Class sedans after reports that the instrument panel failed to illuminate. The NHTSA probe involves about 72,000 vehicles.
The panel, which includes the vehicle's speedometer and fuel gauge, holds the turn signal indicators and warning lights, is supposed to light up whenever the ignition key is turned on. NHTSA reports it has received seven complaints of a failure with the instrument panel.
There have been no crashes or injuries linked to the issue.
Hyundai Sonata
NHTSA is looking into complaints that the tire valve stems fail in the 2002-2003 Hyundai Sonata sedans, leading to tire deflation. The preliminary NHTSA investigation involves 93,000 vehicles.
The complaints involved tires deflated while traveling at highway speeds.
