Certain Jeeps and Harleys Recalled Due to Ignition Issues

We’ve grown so accustomed to vehicles being recalled due to potential product liability issues that Chrysler’s recent announcement that it is recalling hundreds of thousands of older model SUVs due to possible ignition switch issues hardly comes as a surprise. The issue is also starting to pop up in the motorcycle industry.

According to a statement issued by Chrysler late last month, the company is issuing the recall out of an abundance of caution. Supposedly, there has been only one reported accident and a “relatively small” number of owner complaints. This recall comes on top of several recent General Motors recalls for a similar problem in some of their vehicles.

The statement by Chrysler officials summarized the issue by saying that an outside force, such as the driver’s knee, may move the ignition keys from the “on” position. This can cause the vehicle’s engine to stall, make steering difficult, and reduce braking power. It can also disable some safety features, including frontal airbags. Vehicles Included in the Chrysler Recall

Vehicles included in the recall include 2006-2007 Jeep Commanders and 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs. Nearly 800,000 vehicles are implicated in the recall, mostly in North America. Chrysler no longer produces the Commander. Grand Cherokee has been redesigned, and newer models are not included in the recall. The company hopes to identify customers affected by the recall by mid-September. In the meantime, owners of the affected vehicles should remove all items from their key rings and leave plenty of room between their knees and the key while driving.

Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Also Recalled

It isn’t just cars that seem to be having ignition issues. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company is recalling several thousand 2014.5 FXDL Dyna Low Rider motorcycles. The affected bikes were manufactured between January 6, 2014 and June 19, 2014. According to recall information posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the bikes have optional performance electronic control module calibrations. This may allow higher engine rpms, resulting in a vibration in the engine. This in turn can cause the ignition switch to switch to the “accessory only” position rather than the “on” position. If this happens, the engine may shut off or stall, possibly causing the rider to lose control and crash.

If You Own an Affected Bike

Harley-Davidson is in the process of notifying owners of the recall. Customers can go to a dealer, who will replace the engine mount bracket assembly and ignition switch knob. There is no cost for the repair. In the meantime, concerned owners can contact either the customer service department of Harley-Davidson at 1-800-258-2464 or the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

If You Have Been Hurt By a Faulty Product

At the Law Office of John C. Manoog, III, we handle product liability cases on a regular basis and will be glad to assist you if you or someone in your family has suffered an injury because of a defective product. Our first consultation is free. To schedule an appointment, call us in Hyannis at 888-262-6664 or use the contact form on our website. We represent injured people throughout the Cape Cod area. If you can’t come to us, we will be glad to make arrangements for a home or hospital visit.

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