U.S. Steps Up Probe of Chrysler Vans, Trucks

DaimlerChrysler minivans are getting a closer look from the U.S. highway safety agency because of air bags that deploy too late or not at all. The regulators also upgraded a probe of Dodge Durango and Dakota trucks, which may have defective steering wheels.

Water can seep into air bags used in 2005 and 2006 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country minivans, harming a sensor that controls the devices’ activation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.

The agency also upgraded an investigation of steering wheels in model-year 2004 to 2006 Dodge Durango sport-utility vehicles and 2005 and 2006 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks. The NHTSA is examining reports that a bolt was missing or could come loose, causing the steering wheel to separate from the column.