Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recalled about 350,000 vehicles around the world yesterday to repair a faulty ignition switch that in some cases could cut power to the vehicle's air bags, steering and the engine, the Wall Street Journal reported today. The automaker said that ignition keys on certain 2008 model-year vehicles may not fully return to the "on" position after starting. As a result, the windshield defroster and wipers would lose power. In some circumstances, a key would return to "accessory" mode, cutting power to the steering and air bags, it said. The recall includes 2008 model-year Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Magnum station wagons, Chrysler 300 sedans, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee sport-utility vehicles. It covers an estimated 292,224 vehicles in the U.S.; 18,976 in Canada; 4,947 in Mexico; and 33,295 sold elsewhere. Chrysler's ignition-switch problem bears a close resemblance to the trouble that led General Motors Co. to recall 2.6 million small vehicles. The automaker, like GM, advised drivers of the affected cars to avoid key rings and use a single key.
