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Safety group demands answers after Chrysler vehicles go haywire

WASHINGTON — More than 100 Chrysler owners said they don't feel safe in their own cars.

They said out of nowhere, the vehicles can go haywire: horn blaring, wipers running and windows start rolling up and down.

Action 9's Jason Stoogenke found out one group is demanding a massive recall and the government is now stepping in.

Jeff Marlow said his brand-new 2009 Dodge Journey acted possessed.

"My wife would walk outside and the windows would be rolled down, the blower motor would be on, the radio would be on and the vehicle wouldn't start," Marlow said.

He was stumped and so was the dealership.

After two years and 14 trips into the shop, the dealer bought back the car and Marlow got a Durango.  The problem is he had the same electrical issues.

He is now in a legal battle with the carmaker.

The Center for Auto Safety said it's heard nearly 100 similar complaints from Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners beginning with model year 2007.

The group contends the totally integrated power module, or TIPM, is flawed, causing vehicles to stall, accelerate out of the blue, or other functions like the horn, wipers and blinkers to operate unexpectedly.

"It also can disable the airbag. It can cause the vehicle to stall out and not restart. Owners are really riding at risk," said Auto Safety Executive Director Clarence Ditlow

The Center for Auto Safety filed a petition asking federal regulators to investigate.

Those regulators told Channel 9 they received the petition, is reviewing its merits and will take appropriate action as necessary.

When asked if it was a safety defect, Ditlow said, "Yes and at the very least they should do a safety investigation."

The center also wants Chrysler to recall affected cars.

Channel 9 contacted the automaker. The Chrysler Group said its investigating complaints, but that its vehicles meet or exceed safety standards.

Some of the most popular vehicles that could be involved include Dodge Grand Caravans and Durangos, and Jeep Grand Cherokees.