Safety agency probes Jeep, Honda vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigates consumer complaints about the Jeep Liberty and the Honda Odyssey.

By ReutersTue, Sep 27 2011 at 12:27 PM EST

2005 Jeep Liberty SUV
PEOPLE FIRST: An estimated 387,356 Jeep Liberty vehicles are under investigation for faulty airbags. (Photo: Motor News Media)
Auto safety regulators have opened preliminary investigations into 2002 and 2003 model year Jeep Liberty vehicles over possible problems with airbag deployment.
 
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on its website that it has received seven consumer complaints claiming the airbag on the Liberty SUV deployed without a crash. Five of the complaints reported injuries.
 
The investigation covers an estimated 387,356 Jeep Liberty vehicles.
 
A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a manufacturer needs to address a safety issue.
 
The safety agency also opened a separate investigation into an estimated 20,000 Honda Odyssey minivans for the 2009 model year for possible power liftgate problems.