Two Popular Vehicles Face Safety Investigation
WASHINGTON -- (WWJ) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun investigations into two very popular—and very important vehicles. Both are 2011 models, that were totally redesigned, and have done well in the marketplace.
The Chrysler 200 is being investigated for stalling issues. It's a steering problem that's lead to the probe of the Ford Explorer.
The government has 15 complaints of 200's stalling without warning. The issue involves 87 thousand vehicles with V-6 engines from the 2011 model year.
The Chrysler 200 replaced the much criticized Chrysler Sebring, and has done well in the marketplace. It was driven by singer Eminem in Chrysler's 2011 "Imported from Detroit" Super Bowl ad, and is built at Chrysler's Sterling Heights plant.
The V-6 engine being investigated is also an all new design, and is being used in a number of Chrysler products.
The investigation at Ford is also into vehicle that was newly designed. The 2011 model year was the first for an all new Explorer, that was honored as North American Car of the Year.
The government is looking into 15 complaints of power steering failing. No crashes or injuries have been reported.
In both vehicles, safety investigators will determine if there is a common problem, that could be corrected by a recall. It's far too early to tell if a recall will be ordered.
