The problem
Chrysler is recalling 6,636 my 2008-2009 dodge challenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and "keyless go" option. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "Theft prevention." If the stop/start button is pressed and held and the engine turns off, the electronic key code is removed from the vehicle. Since this can occur in a transmission or gear selector position other than "park," and the transmission or gear selector does not become locked in "park" as a direct result of key removal, it was determined that a noncompliance may exist.
The risk
This standard specifies vehicle performance requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles.
The fix
Dealers will reprogram the wireless ignition node module so the engine can only be turned off when the transmission and gear selector is in the "park" position. The recall began on september 15, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Contacts
Chrysler recall no. H29. Customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.Safercar.Gov.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Dodge dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 08V458000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.