Illustration1994 CHRYSLER LHS ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING CONSUMER TO STRIKE TWO VEHICLES AND A TELEPHONE POLE. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. *JB
1994 Chrysler Lhs
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Lhs years
Owner complaints for the 1994 Chrysler Lhs are substantially higher than the model-year median of 50.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Lhs years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 29 of 324 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports16 fire reports14 injury reports
What owners actually said
324 reportsDT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND STRUCK TWO OTHER VEHICLES BEFORE STRIKING A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A CHRYSLER INSPECTOR TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DE…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND STRUCK TWO OTHER VEHICLES BEFORE STRIKING A TELEPHONE POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. A CHRYSLER INSPECTOR TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK, THE ENGINE AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE REMAINED FOR A MONTH. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE COMPUTER MODULE (OR CHIP) AND IT NEED…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK, THE ENGINE AND CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE REMAINED FOR A MONTH. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE COMPUTER MODULE (OR CHIP) AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED COUPLED WITH A FUEL INJECTION CLEANSE. TWO MILES LATER AFTER LEAVING THE DEALER THE VEHICLE PRESENTED THE SAME PROBLEM AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER.
WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPS WORKING (NO POWER) DURING RAINSTORM. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO CHANGE LANES TO THE SHOULDER IN THE RAIN WITHOUT WIPERS. SLAMMING HOOD STARTS WIPERS AGAIN. ALL GAUGES (SPEED, TACK, GAS ETC) EITHER GO FULL ON/OFF OR STOP AT 1/2 ACTUAL SPEED/ RPM WITHOUT ANY APPARENT REASON. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SEAT BELT AND…
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WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPS WORKING (NO POWER) DURING RAINSTORM. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS TO CHANGE LANES TO THE SHOULDER IN THE RAIN WITHOUT WIPERS. SLAMMING HOOD STARTS WIPERS AGAIN. ALL GAUGES (SPEED, TACK, GAS ETC) EITHER GO FULL ON/OFF OR STOP AT 1/2 ACTUAL SPEED/ RPM WITHOUT ANY APPARENT REASON. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. POUNDING ON DASH SOMETIMES RETURNS THE GAUGES. TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RE-STARTING CORRECT THE GAUGES/LIGHTS BUT NOT THE WIPERS. CAR IS AT DEALERS FOR REPAIR AND THEY CAN NOT FIND PROBLEM(S).*JB
APROX. 2 MONTHS AGO I TOOK MY 1994 CHRYSLER LHS TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT WERE ON. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE " BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL SENSOR" , ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER. I WAS ADVISED THE PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM CHRYSLER. IT WAS DISCONTINUED, AFTER 1995, BUT IT W…
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APROX. 2 MONTHS AGO I TOOK MY 1994 CHRYSLER LHS TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM LIGHT AND THE ABS LIGHT WERE ON. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE PROBLEM WAS THE " BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL SENSOR" , ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER. I WAS ADVISED THE PART IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM CHRYSLER. IT WAS DISCONTINUED, AFTER 1995, BUT IT WAS 2005, SO THE 10 YEAR RULE ON PARTS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IMPOSED YET.*JB
IN JULY 2004, I PURCHASED A USED '94 CHRYSLER LHS W/95,000 MILES IN VERY GOOD CONDITION (EXTERIOR/INTERIOR) BUT WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS I EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (ELECTRIC CURRENT NOT GOING TO GAUGES, GAUGES GOING HAYWIRE), TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (PERIODIC 'LIMP MODE', CAR ERRATICALLY SURGING) AND STEERING PROBLEMS (RA…
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IN JULY 2004, I PURCHASED A USED '94 CHRYSLER LHS W/95,000 MILES IN VERY GOOD CONDITION (EXTERIOR/INTERIOR) BUT WITHIN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS I EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS (ELECTRIC CURRENT NOT GOING TO GAUGES, GAUGES GOING HAYWIRE), TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (PERIODIC 'LIMP MODE', CAR ERRATICALLY SURGING) AND STEERING PROBLEMS (RACK 7 PINION, INNER/OUTER TIE RODS). WITHIN A FEW MONTHS I REPLACED THE INNER/OUTER TIE RODS AND FRONT/REAR STABILIZER LINKS THAT ALL IMPROVED MY FRONT SUSPENSION. JUST RECENTLY ABOUT A MONTH AGO, I HAD MY LOCAL DODGE DEALER REPLACE ONE BROKEN TRANSMISSION MOUNT ($305) THEN THE FOLLOWING WEEK AT 124,500 MILES WHILE DRIVING TO WORK ON MY LOCAL HIGHWAY MY TRANSMISSION FAILED, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND LOSS OF DRIVE GEARS, I WAS ABLE TO EXIT SAFELY ONTO MY JOBS PARKING LOT BEFORE IT FINALLY GAVE OUT. I HAD IT TOWED TO AN EXCLUSIVE AUTO TRANSMISSION SHOP, THEY HAD TO REBUILD/OVERHAUL THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER ($1,800). A WHOPPING $2,100 IN REPAIRS IN ABOUT A MONTH. THERE WENT MY CHRISTMAS MONEY. *JB
DT: CONTACT OWNS A 1994 CHRYSLER LHS. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING VEHICLE SKIDDED, AND WHEN SHE TURNED THE WHEEL, IT WOULD NOT TURN. A MECHANIC PULLED UP BEHIND AND TOLD THE CONTACT THAT IT COULD BE RACK AND PINION STEERING. IF ANY VEHICLES HAD BEEN ON THE ROAD THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISION.*AK
1994 CHRYSLER LHS DEVELOPED A HAIR CRACK IN THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL, HE WAS TOLD THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR THE O-RINGS, DESPITE WHAT THE INTERNET STATED AND THE O-RINGS ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPLACED IN THE PAST, SO THE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CURRENT PROBLE…
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1994 CHRYSLER LHS DEVELOPED A HAIR CRACK IN THE FUEL INJECTOR RAIL.*MR WHEN THE CONSUMER INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL, HE WAS TOLD THE RECALL WAS ONLY FOR THE O-RINGS, DESPITE WHAT THE INTERNET STATED AND THE O-RINGS ON THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPLACED IN THE PAST, SO THE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CURRENT PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER WHERE THEY HONORED THE RECALL. IN DEC 2004 WHILE DRIVING, THE FUEL PRESSURE HOSE BURST, THE CONSUMER WENT BACK TO THE FIRST DEALER AND AGAIN INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL, ONCE AGAIN THE CONSUMER WAS DENIED THE RECALL REPAIR. THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHICH IS ALWAYS TURNED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT OR SOMETIME STRAIGHT. THE RACK BUSHING WERE REPLACED 3 ALIGNMENTS WERE PERFORMED. THE PROBLEM WAS THE ENTIRE FRAME UNDER THE HOOD MOVED WHEN THE WHEELS WERE TURNED. (RECALL 98V184000)*JB
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAR IS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, THE DOOR LOCKS BY ITSELF. THE TRUNK IS ALSO OPENING BY ITSELF. THE OWNER HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT YET. SHE HAS CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON RECALLS AND THERE WERE NOT ANY ON HER CAR, ACCORDING TO HER DEALERSHIP. THE OWNER BOUGHT THE CAR USE…
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DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE CAR IS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING, THE DOOR LOCKS BY ITSELF. THE TRUNK IS ALSO OPENING BY ITSELF. THE OWNER HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT YET. SHE HAS CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK ON RECALLS AND THERE WERE NOT ANY ON HER CAR, ACCORDING TO HER DEALERSHIP. THE OWNER BOUGHT THE CAR USED FROM A FRIEND AND SHE IS ALSO THE THIRD OWNER. THE PREVIOUS OWNER PUT IN A NEW MOTOR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH THE TRUNK FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS AND THE LOCK FOR ABOUT A WEEK. THE OWNER IS LOCKING HER CAR DOORS AT NIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR IS UNLOCKED AND THE TRUNK WAS OPEN. SHE IS GOING TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED TODAY, BUT SHE DOESN'T WANT TO PAY $85.00 TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED AT AND CHECKED. THIS CAR IS A 1994 CHRYSLER LHS. THE OWNER SUGGESTS THAT THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE INFORMATION IS ALL THAT THE CONSUMER HAD AVAILABLE TO HER. THE OWNER HAS THE VEHICLE REGULARLY MAINTAINED. *NM
PRIOR TO RECEIVING THE FLOOR SHIFT IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK RECALL 04V021000 NOTICE, THE DEFECT OCCURRED. THIS RESULTED IN VEHICLE ROLLING BACKWARDS, DOWN THE DRIVEWAY INTO A NEIGHBOR'S YARD, AND CRASHING INTO A TREE, BREAKING THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS.*AK
Official recalls
404V021000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Jan 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
99V215000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Aug 9, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BRACKETS CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION HALF-SHAFT COULD PULL OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE ENGINE CRADLE AT THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO IT.
98V184000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
Aug 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS OR FROM A CRACKED FUEL LINE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
94V024000 · Electrical System:wiring
Feb 8, 1994
THE RIGHT STEERING TIE ROD CAN RUB THROUGH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH RESULTS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING AND AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAUSING STALLING WHILE IN MOTION OR AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS ENGINE START WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION, MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS BRACKET AND A PLASTIC CONVOLUTED SLEEVE TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
10DP04007 · Fuel Rail, Brake Fluid, Chassis
Opened Oct 13, 2004 · Closed Oct 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid; Structure:frame And Members
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Structure:frame And Members
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
EA03011 · Auto Trans IGNITION-PARK Interlock
Opened Jul 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
DP03002 · Steering Column Separation
Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.
EA99031 · Steering System Rack And Pinion
Opened Oct 29, 1999 · Closed Sep 13, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE99044 · Steering System Rack And Pinion
Opened Jun 28, 1999 · Closed Oct 29, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
SINCE OPENING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS.DURING THE PE IT WAS DETERMINED MULTIPLE FAILURE MODES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS MATTER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS HIGH FOR A STEERING SYSTEM CONCERN.THE ISSUES REPORTED INVOLVE PREMATURE WEAR OUT AT THE RACK AND PINION INTERFACE WITH THE INNER TIE ROD END(S), BINDING AND STICKING OF THE STEERING GEAR, CRACKED OR BROKEN TIE ROD ENDS, SHEARED RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY BOLTS, AND WEAR OUT OF THE RACK AND PINION MOUNT BUSHINGS.MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS MENTION STEERING WONDER AND LOOSE STEERING.THREE OF THE MOST RECENT COMPLAINTS ALLEGE A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO SHEARED BOLTS.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PE IN ORDER TO PERFORM A THOROUGH TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE VARIOUS SYSTEM FAILURE ALLEGATIONS AND TO QUANTIFY THE EFFECT THAT THESE FAILURES HAVE ON VEHICLE CONTROL.
EA98025 · Engine Cradle/control Arm Bracket Weld
Opened Dec 31, 1998 · Closed Aug 19, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
RQ98018 · Fuel Injection Delivery System Fuel Leak
Opened Oct 7, 1998 · Closed Jul 8, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
No summary supplied.
PE98044 · Engine Cradle/control Arm Bracket Weld
Opened Aug 11, 1998 · Closed Dec 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION WELD FAILS OR CRACKS CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL
EA98007 · Fuel Injector Assembly Leakage
Opened Mar 10, 1998 · Closed Feb 1, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
EA95028 · Underhood Fuel Leaks
Opened Sep 22, 1995 · Closed Feb 24, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WAARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.