WASHINGTON, D.C. -

More than 480,000 Chrysler Group vehicles either are being recalled or are under investigation, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

First, the recall involves 295,345 vehicles, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee from 2005 through 2010 model years manufactured from Feb. 11, 2004 through March 9, 2010 as well as the Jeep Commander from the 2006 through 2010 model years manufactured from Jan. 31, 2005 through March 10, 2010.

NHTSA officials indicated a transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

“If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury,” the agency said.

Chrysler told NHTSA it will notify owners, and franchised dealers will reflash the final drive controller, which governs the transfer case, with new software free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in June.

In the meantime, owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 247-9753 and mention recall campaign No. N23.

Meanwhile, NHTSA also announced that its Office of Defects Investigation is taking a closer look at 2006 Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger and Magnum vehicles, an estimated total of 192,076 units.

Officials said they have received 54 complaints alleging incidents of engine stall while driving vehicles equipped with 5.7L or 6.1L 8-cylinder HEMI engines. They noted 48 complaints alleged multiple stall incidents and all 54 complaints reported that the vehicle stalled while driving after refueling at a gas station.

Investigators also said that seven complaints reported that either the vehicle could not be immediately restarted or difficult to restart. The complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with over 50 percent received within the past eight months.

As a result, NHTSA said a preliminary evaluation has been opened “to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.”

2009 Mazda6 Under Investigation Again

In other news coming out of NHTSA, the Office of Defects Investigation said it has received four vehicle owner questionnaires (VOQs) concerning the doors failing to latch on model year 2009 Mazda6 vehicles. The investigation covers an estimated 39,000 units.

“Complainants alleged that the door would fail to or not properly latch following attempts to close. In one instance, a passenger door inadvertently opened while the vehicle was in motion. The VOQs also indicated that some or all three door latch mounting screws were missing,” agency officials said.

Like with the Chrysler matter, ODI said it has opened this investigation to “further analyze the scope, frequency, and consequence of the alleged incidents.”

These models already have been recalled once for a similar issue.

NHTSA announced back on Feb. 9, 2009 that Mazda recalled 29,000 of these units.

“The outer door handles may stick which may prevent the door from latching. This situation may allow the door to open while the vehicle is in motion,” officials said at the time. “Driving the vehicle with the door unlatched could lead to an unbelted occupant being ejected and could result in death or injury.”

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