The government has upgraded its investigation of more than 800,000 DaimlerChrysler AG minivans that have problems with headlights, officials said Monday.
The investigation involves Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager and Chrysler Town and Country and Voyager minivans from the 2001 and 2002 model years.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said consumers have reported that the headlights are flickering, dimming and periodically shutting down while the vehicle is in motion. The problem has led to the minivans being towed in some cases.
The investigation involves 813,597 minivans from those model years. The company has received 675 complaints and more than 35,000 warranty claims related to the alleged defect, the government said.
The investigation was opened in February.
A DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman declined comment Monday evening.
NHTSA investigations can lead to vehicle recalls.
