IllustrationUNABLE TO DEFROST WINDOWS (OR HEAT CABIN) IN COLD CAUSING DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. ALTHOUGH NOT RECALLED, MANUFACTURE DEFECTS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED CAUSING THE HEATER CORE TO PLUG FROM SAND AND CASTING DEBRIS.
2011 Dodge Avenger
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Avenger do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 157.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Avenger 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
250–25K
2425–50K
2650–75K
4075–100K
36100–150K
8150K+
159 reports with mileage · 50 unknown
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.
- Electrical System. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports2 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
209 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE HORN ACTUATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE CABIN IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAYTONA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM & FIA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE AVENGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE HORN ACTUATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FLICKERED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SMOKE ODOR IN THE CABIN IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DAYTONA DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM & FIAT LOCATED AT 1450 N TOMOKA FARMS RD SUITE A, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32124, 1450 N TOMOKA FARMS RD SUITE A, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32124, TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HORN ASSEMBLY, SPEED SENSOR, AND THE TIPM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,999.
MY HEAT ON MY PASSENGER SIDE NEVER WORKS, IT WILL BLOW AT NOTHING CAUSING ISSUES WITH DEFROSTING PASSENGERS WINDOW AND ISSUE WITH DEFROST ON MY MAIN WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OTHER VENTS BLOW OUT BUT THAT ONE MAKES A WHISTLE NOISE AND NOTING COMES OUT. IT'S LIKE IT'S BLOCKED, I ASSUMED IT WAS JUST THE CAR, AFTER GOING OVER I…
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MY HEAT ON MY PASSENGER SIDE NEVER WORKS, IT WILL BLOW AT NOTHING CAUSING ISSUES WITH DEFROSTING PASSENGERS WINDOW AND ISSUE WITH DEFROST ON MY MAIN WINDOW ON PASSENGER SIDE. ALL OTHER VENTS BLOW OUT BUT THAT ONE MAKES A WHISTLE NOISE AND NOTING COMES OUT. IT'S LIKE IT'S BLOCKED, I ASSUMED IT WAS JUST THE CAR, AFTER GOING OVER IN A LANE ON MY PASSENGER SIDE AND HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE BECAUSE I COULD BARELY SEE OUT MY WINDOW TO VIEW MY MIRROR, I LOOKED MORE INTO IT AND HAVE SINCE REALIZED I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE, IN FACT MULTIPLE OTHER COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED AND DODGE HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX THIS. GET IT TOGETHER!
VEHICLES AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS, I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE SAID A CODE PULLED INDICATING CIRCUIT 1 IS OPEN, BUT WHEN SEARCHING PARTS IN HIS SYSTEM IT INDICATED THERES NO PARTS FOR FIX AT THIS TIME.
HEAT ONLY BLOWS HOT ON DRIVERS SIDE - PASSENGER SIDE BLOWS COLD AIR. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP 01/18 THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CORE AND FLUSHED THE SYSTEM. 11/18 DOING THE EXACT SAME THING. ALREADY COST $1200, TOLD THAT IT IS THE COOLANT AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE HEATER CORE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT IS CLOGGED. IF IT IS TH…
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HEAT ONLY BLOWS HOT ON DRIVERS SIDE - PASSENGER SIDE BLOWS COLD AIR. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP 01/18 THEY REPLACED THE HEATER CORE AND FLUSHED THE SYSTEM. 11/18 DOING THE EXACT SAME THING. ALREADY COST $1200, TOLD THAT IT IS THE COOLANT AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE HEATER CORE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT IS CLOGGED. IF IT IS THE COOLANT THEY PUT IN WOULDN'T THAT STILL BE COVERED? THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR THE DEFROSTER ON THAT SIDE ALSO ONLY BLOWS COLD AIR!
DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP WITHOUT WARNING; DEALER FAILED TO CORRECT OR REPORT WHEN FIRST PURCHASED VEHICLE IN 2011. NOW IN 2019, DEALER DENIES RECORD DESPITE HAVING GIVEN US LOANER JEEP AND CHRYSLER 200 IN SEPARATE OCCASIONS. IN 2019, CAR LIGHTS UP RANDOMLY, ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY OR IN REGULAR STREET TRAFFIC OR TURNI…
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DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP WITHOUT WARNING; DEALER FAILED TO CORRECT OR REPORT WHEN FIRST PURCHASED VEHICLE IN 2011. NOW IN 2019, DEALER DENIES RECORD DESPITE HAVING GIVEN US LOANER JEEP AND CHRYSLER 200 IN SEPARATE OCCASIONS. IN 2019, CAR LIGHTS UP RANDOMLY, ENGINE STOPS WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY OR IN REGULAR STREET TRAFFIC OR TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION, AND DEALER REPORTS UNABLE TO CORRECT. EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. WORTH A LAWSUIT. DASH LIGHTS UP, ENGINE SHUTS OFF, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS, CAR SOMETIMES STARTS AGAIN BUT NOT ALWAYS. WE PAID THE DEALER TO FULLY REPLACE THE CRANK SENSOR BUT THAT ISN'T FIXING IT. TPM SENSOR WARNING APPEARED AND ISN'T GOING AWAY DESPITE DEALER STATING IT SHOULD. REPLACING PSI SENSOR DID NOT CORRECT THIS SYSTEM WARNING EITHER. DEALER SAID WARNING APPEARED 518 MILES BEFORE WE TOOK IT IN BUT THE ERROR OCCURRED ON 5/12/19 AND WE TOOK IT IN ON 5/14/19, ONLY DRIVING ABOUT 15 MILES FROM 5/12 - 5/12/19. EITHER DEALER LIED OR INFO ISN'T BEING HELD ON COMPUTER'S MEMORY. TIRED OF ALMOST GETTING CRASHED INTO BECAUSE THE CAR RANDOMLY DIES.
HEATER BLOWS HOT AIR ON DRIVER SIDE AND COLD AIR ON PASSENGER SIDE.
FOR THE 3RD OR 4TH TIME MY CAR HAS SUDDENLY LURCHED/JERKED FORWARD FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. THE FIRST TWO TIMES I WAS AT A RED LIGHT INTERSECTION AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING OR EXPLANATION. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH OTHER DODGE OWNERS. SOME MENTIONING THE THROT…
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FOR THE 3RD OR 4TH TIME MY CAR HAS SUDDENLY LURCHED/JERKED FORWARD FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. THE FIRST TWO TIMES I WAS AT A RED LIGHT INTERSECTION AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY JERKED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING OR EXPLANATION. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE AND FOUND SIMILAR ISSUES WITH OTHER DODGE OWNERS. SOME MENTIONING THE THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR. I'M NOT A MECHANIC SO I HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE AS TO WHAT IS OCCURRING. THIS LATEST OCCURRENCE CAUSED A MINOR SLOW SPEED 'BUMPER TAG' BUMP TO THE CAR AHEAD OF ME TO THE CAR AHEAD. MY DASHCAM CAPTURED THE INCIDENT. THE DASHCAM VIDEO IS *.MOV FORMAT BUT IS VERY CLEAR IN 1080P WITH SPEED, DATE, AND TIME STAMPED. IF YOU WOULD LIKE THAT I WOULD NEED TO EMAIL THAT OTHER THAN THIS WEBSITE PLATFORM. YOU WILL SEE THE BUMPER COLLISION OCCURRED AT 3MPH. NO MARKS WERE LEFT ON EITHER VEHICLES.
DEFROSTER VENT IS NOT PUTTING OUT HOT AIR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THIS CAUSES THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS AND APPROX. 1/4 OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TO FOG AND OR FROST OVER CAUSING SERIOUS VISIBILITY ISSUES! VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON THE ROAD, IT HAPPENS AT ANYTIME. VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP SAID IT IS…
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DEFROSTER VENT IS NOT PUTTING OUT HOT AIR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THIS CAUSES THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOWS AND APPROX. 1/4 OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW TO FOG AND OR FROST OVER CAUSING SERIOUS VISIBILITY ISSUES! VEHICLE CAN BE STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON THE ROAD, IT HAPPENS AT ANYTIME. VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP SAID IT IS A CHRYSLER MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THE HEATER CORE ON THE DODGE AVENGERS. REPAIR SHOP FLUSHED THE HEATER CORE BUT STATED THIS IS A TEMPORARY FIX AS THE ISSUE WILL CONTINUE TO REAPPEAR UNTIL CHRYSLER ADMITS THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND ISSUES A RECALL TO RECTIFY THE DEFECT. DUE TO THE WINDOWS FOGGING AND OR FROSTING OVER IN COLD WEATHER, THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE THAT CHRYSLER NEEDS TO TAKE CARE OF ASAP. THIS DEFECT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS DUE TO VISIBILITY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH!
CAR HAS DIED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC 5 TIMES BETWEEN 01/22/19 AND 03/06/19. PRESENTED MANY DIFFERENT ISSUES, INCLUDING STALL, NO START, NO CRANK, POOR IDLE. TOWED IN 5 TIMES TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND DEAD AGAIN. OVER $2000 IN OUT OF POCKET COSTS SO FAR AND THE DANGER TO LIFE SITTING IN A DEAD CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF SNOWSTORM…
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CAR HAS DIED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC 5 TIMES BETWEEN 01/22/19 AND 03/06/19. PRESENTED MANY DIFFERENT ISSUES, INCLUDING STALL, NO START, NO CRANK, POOR IDLE. TOWED IN 5 TIMES TO 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND DEAD AGAIN. OVER $2000 IN OUT OF POCKET COSTS SO FAR AND THE DANGER TO LIFE SITTING IN A DEAD CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF SNOWSTORMS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. ALSO SEVERAL TIMES IN BETWEEN WOULD NOT EVEN START IN THE DRIVEWAY. AND MANY OTHER WHAT I REFER TO AS "ELECTRICAL GREMLINS"! ALL TIMES DATES AND OCCURRENCES ARE DOCUMENTED IN WRITING, BACKED UP BY TEXTS AND EVEN SOME SHORT VIDEOS SHOWING DASH WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS AND OTHER ISSUES.
Official recalls
316V668000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seat Belts:pretensioner
Sep 15, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
13V282000 · Air Bags; Electrical System
Jul 2, 2013
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
Electrical System
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Sebring and 200 vehicles manufactured June 28, 2011, through December 13, 2012; model year 2011-2013 Dodge Avenger vehicles manufactured June 25, 2011, through January 14, 2013; model year 2011-2012 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through December 15, 2011; and model year 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured June 17, 2011, through August 15, 2012. Electrical over-stress of a resistor in the occupant restraint control module may lead to the non-deployment of the active head restraints during a rear impact collision.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating the deployment of the active head restraints , their non-deployment could increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) or replace the occupant restraint control module, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N38.
11V315000 · Steering:column
Jun 8, 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
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
2PE19014 · Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Opened Sep 9, 2019 · Closed Feb 25, 2026
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE12016 · Engine Stall
Opened Jun 18, 2012 · Closed Oct 15, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
During PE12-016, Chrysler identified a condition in model year (MY) 2011 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines that may result in engine stall when stopped or travelling at very low speeds.According to Chrysler, this condition occurs when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) initiates a purge monitor check while the engine is at idle which can result in an overly rich vapor condition and cause the engine to stall while stopped.Chrysler developed a software countermeasure to address the condition and has initiated a customer satisfaction campaign to reprogram the PCM on all affected vehicles. The bulletin was sent to dealers on September 28, 2012 and the owner letter mailing began on October 5, 2012.See the investigative file for copies of Chrysler's bulletin and owner letter.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaints related to engine stall that were provided by Chrysler or submitted to ODI from consumers.The predominant failure mode identified involved stalling when stopped or travelling at low speeds.The complaint counts shown in this resume include incidents in which enough detail was available to verify the symptoms were related to the defect condition identified by Chrysler.Two complaints alleged engine stall resulting in collisions, one involving very minor damage and one involving a single vehicle road departure crash in which the vehicle was totalled.In the first incident, the vehicle stalled while stopped at an intersection and rolled back into a following vehicle resulting in a minor scratch in the rear bumper.In the second incident, the vehicle was totalled from damage sustained from striking a tree after failing to negotiate a sharp turn in wet road conditions.The police report does not include any references to stalling as a cause or contributor, but cites excessive speed entering the turn.Although there was evidence or prior history with stalling when stopped, there is no evidence that engine stall was a factor in the crash.The condition that is causing the majority of stalling incidents in the subject vehicles occurs at a stop or very low speed and allows the vehicle to be restarted immediately.The condition represents a low risk to motor vehicle safety and is adequately addressed by Chrysler's service campaign. This preliminary evaluation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.):10458865, 10458713, 10456385, 10456270, 10452622, 10452327, 10451870, 10451243, 10450745, 10450609, 10449370, 10448136, 10446374, 10443383, 10428753, 10463086, 10463085, 10462966, 10462908, 10462901, 10462851, 10462772, 10462720, 10462702, 10462691.