Chrysler Faces Probe of Audio System Fires

DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler unit faces a U.S. investigation and potential recall of 418,783 of its 2002-model minivans because of reports of audio system fires.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s inquiry includes Dodge Caravan, Plymouth and Chrysler Voyager and Chrysler Town & Country minivans. Three fires have been reported, including one in which a minivan was destroyed, NHTSA said. The fires occurred in the summer when the vehicles were being driven and the radio was on, the agency said.

A spokesman for Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler declined to comment.

The federal action is a preliminary evaluation, which the Washington-based agency either closes without further investigation or upgrades to an engineering analysis.