Ignition keys inadvertently moving from the “run” into the “accessory” position already created recalls of more than 5 million General Motors vehicles. Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating whether the same condition is plaguing more than 1.2 million Chrysler units.

NHTSA posted details of two investigations on Wednesday. One investigation covers approximately 700,000 vehicles — the Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey as well as the Chrysler Town & Country from the 2008 through 2010 model years. The other investigation is for an estimated 525,000 Jeep units — the Commander from the 2006 and 2007 model years as well as the Grand Cherokee from the 2005 and 2006 model years.

In March 2011, NHTSA said Chrysler submitted a non-influenced recall for the Journey and Grand Caravan for inadvertent ignition key rotation from the rum position to the accessory position.

“According to Chrysler, when the vehicle is initially started and the ignition key is released from the start position, a spring force rotates the key back to the run position,” NHTSA said. “However, in some instances, the switch may over-travel leaving the ignition key between the run and accessory position.

“While in this intermediate position, harsh roadway conditions or driver interaction with the ignition key can cause the switch to move to the accessory position which may disable the frontal air bags in a crash where deployment is warranted,” the agency said.

NHTSA went on to note that a review of the Office Defects Investigation’s consumer database identified a number of owners alleging that the 2008 and 2009 vehicles may have a similar defect as the 2010 vehicles.

“In addition, some 2010 owners have reported that they have experienced the defect condition after the recall remedy was applied,” officials said.

In connection with the move associated with investigation of the Commander and Grand Cherokee, ODI officials said they have received at least 32 complaints alleging that while driving, the operator’s knee or leg can inadvertently contact the ignition key fob/chain causing the ignition switch to be turned to the off or accessory position.

“This causes the engine to shut off, affects the power steering and brakes, and may potentially result in the vehicle’s air bags not deploying during a frontal crash that would normally warrant deployment,” officials said.

When contacted by Auto Remarketing on Wednesday, the automaker said in a statement, “Chrysler Group is awaiting additional information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The company has begun its own investigation and is prepared to cooperate fully with the agency.”