Chrysler Group has announced it's voluntarily recalling about 349,442 older-model vehicles to correct a suspected flaw that could lead the ignition to inadvertently move or stick -- and cause a potential accident.

The automaker said in a Sept. 25 news release that it found the ignition keys on certain model-year 2008 vehicles produced before May 12, 2008 may not fully return to the "ON" position after rotation to the "START" position during engine-startup.

Instead, the keys may remain stuck between the "START" and "ON" positions, which could then keeps the windshield defroster and wiper from functioning correctly, or functioning at all.

The company emphasized, however, that the air bag function would not be affected.

Much less likely, the release continued, would be the possibility an ignition key might not fully return to the "ON" position after rotation to the "START" position, and then move, on its own, through the "ON" position to "ACCESSORY" or "OFF."

If that were to happen, it could lead to reduced braking power, as well as diminished engine power, power steering, and one or more of the vehicle's safety features -- including front air bags.

Chrysler Group said it's received a report of a single minor accident that may have been related to either of the aforementioned conditions. The company said it's not aware of any related injuries.

The recall includes 2008 Dodge Charger sedans, Dodge Magnum station wagons, Chrysler 300 sedans, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs.

The action covers approximately 292,224 vehicles in the U.S.; 18,976 in Canada; 4,947 in Mexico; and 33,295 outside the NAFTA region.

The company said all affected customers will be notified and encouraged to schedule services to resolve the ignition problem, which will be provided at no cost to them.

Until then, owners of the affected are advised to confirm their ignition keys are set in the "ON" position, which is at "one o'clock" after starting their vehicles.

Being sure to follow the preceding directions will assure engine power and expected functionality of all systems, including front air bags.

Owners with additional questions may also call Chrysler Group's Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.