Chrysler Group Recalling 248,000 Crossovers and Minivans Over Engine Shutoff Risk

More than 248,000 Dodge Journey crossovers and Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans from the 2010MY are being recalled because of a defect that could allow the ignition key to move from the run to accessory position while driving and cause the engine to shut off.

In a notice on the government safety agency's website, Chrysler said there are approximately 32 customer complaints and 465 warranty claims for the affected vehicles alleging inadvertent engine shutoff while driving, adding that the company is aware of 2 alleged rear-end collisions related to this problem.

The recall affects 2010 Dodge Journey and Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country vehicles manufactured from August 3, 2009, through June 17, 2010.

The safety recall is expected to begin during in April.

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New Lancia Grand Voyager Minivan is a Rebadged Chrysler, and Yes, this Picture Too Appears to be a Chop

The third Chrysler model to wear a Lancia badge is the Town & Country minivan, which replaces the Phedra and will premiere alongside the Thema and the Flavia concepts at the Geneva Motor Show next month. The Fiat Group decided to keep the European market name of the Town & Country, calling it the Lancia Grand Voyager.

The Italian firm's American people carrier measures a hefty 5.14 metres in length, 1.99 metres in width and 1.72 metres tall, and rides on a 3.1 meter-long wheelbase. When European sales start later this year, it will be available in three trim levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum) and and two engine options, the Euro 5-compliant 283 HP 3.6-liter V6 petrol unit and the more appropriate for European consumers, 2.8-liter CRD diesel with particulate filter as standard delivering 163 HP and 360Nm.

Lancia says the petrol model returns an average fuel consumption of 12.3 lt/100km (19.1 mpg US), while the diesel version, 8.4 lt/100km (28 mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 227 g/km.

On a side note, as is the case with the Lancia Flavia Convertible image, the solitary official photo of the Grand Voyager also appears to be a doctored picture of the Chrysler Town & Country, which can be proved -among other things- by the identical reflections on the chrome trim on the profile and the door handles, the position of the wheels, and the apparently fake logos on the alloys.

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2011MY Chrysler Town & Country Pricing Released, Starts at $30,995

Chrysler states that its refreshed 2011 Town & Country "delivers great American design, innovative technology and unparalleled functionality, all at surprising value". Well, we'll you be the judge of that, but for now we can tell you that the facelifted minivan will soon hit U.S. dealerships in three trim levels (Touring, Touring L and Limited) and prices starting from $30,995, including the $835 destination fee.

We'll remind you that Chrysler has thoroughly updated the minivan with some fresh styling cues, a redesigned suspension, a new 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar engine rated at 283 hp (211 kW), and an improved Stow 'n Go seating system.

The 2011 Town & Country features new equipment as well, such as the heated steering wheel, super center console (for first- and second-row passengers), a fuel economizer that promises to better efficiency and a Stow 'n Place roof rack, which allows roof bows to be stored in the rails when not in use.

By Csaba Daradics

The starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for each trim model is:

• Chrysler Town & Country Touring: $30,995 (including $835 destination)
• Chrysler Town & Country Touring L: $32,995 (including $835 destination)
• Chrysler Town & Country Limited: $39,495 (including $835 destination)

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