Some Minivan Models Probed

The government has opened an investigation of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans after receiving complaints about failure of front air bag crash sensors.

Models made by Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai Motor Co., meanwhile, are under separate investigations for potential defects, officials said Monday.

In the Chrysler and Dodge cases, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it had received five complaints alleging failure in 2005 model year minivans of the front air bag crash sensors, which are located behind the front bumper.

The complaints said dealers replaced front crash sensors after receiving questions about the air bag warning lamp illuminating. Field reports indicate that sensors may have failed because of corrosion.

The preliminary investigation involves about 410,000 vehicles. Chrysler and Dodge are brands of DaimlerChrysler.

The safety administration said it opened a probe into the 2000-01 models of the Mercedes-Benz S Class sedans after reports that the instrument panel failed to light up. The inquiry involves about 72,000 vehicles.

In the Hyundai case, the government is looking into allegations that tire valve stems are failing in the 2002-03 Sonata sedans, leading to tire deflation. The probe involves about 93,000 vehicles.