Chrysler to recall 367,000 Dodge and Chrysler minivans over air bags problem

Chrysler is recalling more than 367,000 Dodge and Chrysler minivans because of a possible heating and air conditioning problem that could trigger the air bags to go off unexpectedly.

Chrysler said that it is recalling 299,718 certain 2008 Grand Voyager, Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles to replace the 'occupant restraint control' (ORC) modules.

The ORC modules may have been exposed to moisture and could eventually experience an illumination of the airbag light with the potential for an inadvertent airbag deployment, said the Detroit-based in a statement.

Chrysler is also recalling 50,251 vehicles in Canada, 3,748 vehicles in Mexico, and 13,633 export models.

It is the second recall made by the automaker that is now majority owned by Italy's Fiat SpA for the same vehicles in January 2011 to replace the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) drain grommet, which had the potential to leak moisture into the area of the ORC module.

Chrysler engineers have determined that the printed circuit board in ORC modules previously exposed to moisture could delaminate over time, despite the elimination of the source of prior moisture. This potential delamination could lead to a disruption in the circuitry and compromise airbag performance.

Chrysler said that it is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the condition in vehicles that have had the prior recall completed. ''Despite the lack of field reports, we believe it is in the best interest of our customers to replace these modules to ensure the proper functionality of the minivan's advanced safety system,'' said David Dillon, head of product investigations and campaigns.

Chrysler will begin sending letters to customers in September and its dealer's will replace the ORC modules at no cost to the customer.