Chrysler recalls about 50,000 Dakota pickups

DETROIT, Oct 16, 2003; Reuters reported that the Chrysler unit of DaimlerChrysler is recalling an estimated 50,000 of its Dodge Dakota pickup trucks to fix a potentially hazardous electrical system wiring problem, federal safety regulators said on Thursday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the problem involved possible damage to headlamp and dashboard wiring from operation of the clutch pedal on 2001-2003 Dakotas with manual transmissions.

"This could result in abnormal operation of the wipers, turn signals, horn or lighting systems," NHTSA said, adding that the problem increased the risk of a crash.

Separately, NHTSA said Chrysler was recalling 1,739 2003 model-year versions of its premium Viper sports car to fix a switching problem that could render its park lamps and headlights inoperable.