2011 Chrysler 200 sedans and Ford Explorer SUVs probed by NHTSA

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened investigations into two 2011 model year vehicles, the Chrysler 200 convertible and the Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles after receiving consumer complaints of engine and steering problems, respectively.

NHTSA reports its Office of Defect Investigations has received 15 consumer complaints of engine stalls with 2011 Chrysler 200 sedans, including convertible models, equipped with the 3.6-liter engine. Consumers report that at decelerations— such as stopping at a traffic light or stop sign—the Chrysler 200's engine will unexpectedly stall.

Separately, NHTSA's ODI is also looking into complaints of the Electric Power Assisted Steering system of the 2011 Ford Explorer. According to customer data from Ford Motor Company, the SUV may provide a dashboard warning to Explorer SUV drivers of the loss of the power steering system. What's more, restarting the SUV may or may not correct the steering issue, according to NHTSA.

The ODI will work with engineers at both companies to determine the causes of the vehicles' issues and if official safety recalls are warranted.

If you have similar problems with these vehicles—or any vehicle safety issue, NHTSA recommends filing an online complaint at the federal agency's website: www.SaferCar.gov. For more, see Consumer Reports' How to write a NHTSA complaint—and make it useful.

Sources:
ODI: 2011 Chrysler 200 - Engine stall    Action #: PE12016 [NHTSA]
ODI: 2011 Ford Explorer - Power steering issues    Action #: PE12017 [NHTSA]

—Paul Eng