Chrysler recalls SUVs for fire hazard; NHTSA probes steering issues in Ford, Mercury vehicles

NEW YORK (AP) -- Chrysler says it is recalling 651,000 Jeep and Dodge SUVs in the U.S. because vanity mirror lights that have undergone repairs can short circuit and start a fire if not reassembled correctly. Meanwhile, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is looking into steering problems in 500,000 Ford and Mercury vehicles.<br /> <br /> The recall is for certain 2011 to 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango models. Chrysler says it has seen the problem only in lighted sun visor mirrors that have been repaired. But as a precaution, it says the recall applies to all of the vehicles.<br /> <br /> The automaker says it knows of three injuries caused by the lighted mirror.<br /> <br /> Chrysler will contact customers and let them know when they can have the problem fixed.<br /> <br /> The recall will total 895,000 SUVs around the world. About 45,000 are in Canada, 23,000 are in Mexico and 175,000 are outside North America.<br /> <br /> NHTSA PROBES 500K FORD, MERCURY CARS FOR STEERING ISSUES<br /> <br /> The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it is investigating steering problems in about 500,000 Ford cars.<br /> <br /> The investigation covers 2004 to 2007 Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Marauder models.<br /> <br /> NHTSA says a heat shield in the car can rust, dislodge and cause the steering shaft to jam. It has received five complaints about the issue and knows of one injury. In that case, the steering froze as a driver entered a highway entrance ramp, causing the car to roll over and cause injuries.<br /> <br /> Ford Motor Co. says it will cooperate with the NHTSA on the investigation.<br /> <br /> Ford shares rose 17 cents to close at $17.47 Friday. They have risen more than 11 percent in the past three months.