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Chrysler has issued a recall order for more than 300,000 Dodge Caravan, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town & Country minivans from model years 2005 and 2006, in order to correct a defect that could prevent airbags from operating properly in a crash.

In a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker explains, “The front crash sensors may crack under certain environmental conditions and allow water to enter into the sensor. This can cause the sensor to become inoperative,” in which case, “The airbags may not provide enhanced protection in the event of a crash.”

It should be easy to tell if your vehicle is affected. If the crash sensors in a Chrysler minivan are cracked, the automaker says, an airbag warning light should illuminate on the dashboard, warning the owner to seek service.

Because the defect is related to weather, the recall applies only to vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Alaska and the District of Columbia.

Chrysler dealers will replace the front airbag sensors with a new design, free of charge. Owners should expect to receive a recall notice in the mail in June, but those who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

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