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1993 Dodge Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Caravan years

Owner complaints for the 1993 Dodge Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 39 of 949 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.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 321 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

68 crash reports7 fire reports56 injury reports

Steering complaints

92 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 8, 2001
Electrical SystemSteering

IN EVENING CONSUMER TRIED TO START VEHICLE AND IT WOULD NOT START. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID STEERING COLUMN WAS LOOSE AND EFFECTED STEERING COLUMN OPERATIONS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #887658

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

ENGINE BELT CAME OFF, CAUSING STEERING FAILURE. DEALER REPAIRED BELT, BUT PROBLEM HAS REOCCURRED. *AK WHEN DRIVING 38 TO 42 MPH STEERING WHEEL IS VIBRATING. CONSUMER STATES PRESSURE PULLEY OR TENSIONER KEEPS BREAKING BOLT, IT DOES NOT TAKE PRESSURE, AT SPEEDS ABOVE 38 MPH IT VIBRATES LIKE IT'S GOING TO COME OFF. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #881860

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2001
Air BagsSteering

THE PROBLEM STARTED SHORTLY AFTER I BROUGHT THE VAN. THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD "FREEZE" & NOT TURN WHILE MAKING CORNERS SOMETIMES. THIS HAPPENED 4-6 TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING FINALLY "BROKELOOSE" AND ALLOWED ME TO STEER (IT HAS BEEN FOR THE MOST PART BEEN STEERING OK SINCE THIS HAPPENED). BUT, WHEN THIS HAPPENED ("BROOKLOOSE" IN…

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THE PROBLEM STARTED SHORTLY AFTER I BROUGHT THE VAN. THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD "FREEZE" & NOT TURN WHILE MAKING CORNERS SOMETIMES. THIS HAPPENED 4-6 TIMES BEFORE THE STEERING FINALLY "BROKELOOSE" AND ALLOWED ME TO STEER (IT HAS BEEN FOR THE MOST PART BEEN STEERING OK SINCE THIS HAPPENED). BUT, WHEN THIS HAPPENED ("BROOKLOOSE" IN THE STEERING COLUMN) THE AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT HAS BEEN ON EVER SINCE,(THE AIR BAG HAS NE VER DEPLOYED & THERE IS NO PASSANGER AIRBAG) & THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL NOT WORK SOMETIMES NOW. I FEEL THIS WAS/IS A PROBLEM & SHOULD BE LOOKED AT! I WOULD LIKE THE MGFR.(DODGE) TO ISSUE FREE INSPECTION CERTIFICATES & THEN OFFER TO FIX THIS IF IT A MGFR.'S DEFECT. ONLY THEN WOULD I FEEL COMPLETELY SAFE! *AK

NHTSA ODI #740899

Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2001
Steering

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL9700V305000/ STEERING WHEEL, AND HAS CONTACTED CARWAY CHRYSLER (911 NORTH SALISBURY BLVD. TELE 410-749-1301)ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE NOVEMBER 2000. DEALER CLAIMED THEY DIDN'T HAVE PARTS TO PERFORM RECALL. CONSUMER FELT RECALL WAS NOT BEING DONE IN TIMELY MANNER, AND WAS DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. …

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CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL9700V305000/ STEERING WHEEL, AND HAS CONTACTED CARWAY CHRYSLER (911 NORTH SALISBURY BLVD. TELE 410-749-1301)ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS SINCE NOVEMBER 2000. DEALER CLAIMED THEY DIDN'T HAVE PARTS TO PERFORM RECALL. CONSUMER FELT RECALL WAS NOT BEING DONE IN TIMELY MANNER, AND WAS DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #879295

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2001
Steering

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL CAME LOOSE IN CONSUMER'S HANDS, THE METAL NEXT TO THE WELDS HAVE CONTINUOUS CRACKS, CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO RECALL 00V305. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #558697

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2000
Power TrainSteering

TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED THREE TIMES. NLM

NHTSA ODI #558573

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2000
Steering

STEERING WHEEL BROKE AT THE BASE AND CLOCKSPRING BROKE. NLM

NHTSA ODI #553568

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2000
SteeringCrash

WHIILE PULLING OUT OF A DRIVE WAY DRIVER LOST STEERING CONTROL BECAUSE THE RACK AND PINION STEERING BROKE. THIS WAS DISCOVERED WHEN THE VAN WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. VAN WAS REPAIRED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #866051

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2000
Steering

WHILE BACKING OUT STEERING WHEEL BROKE OFF. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #863125

Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2000
SteeringStructure

THE STEERING WHEEL JAMMED AND STUCK AFTER MAKING A TURN DUE TO A BROKEN SAFETY DEVICE (CLOCK SPRING) UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING THE AIR BAG, THE HORN AND THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT TO FAIL. YH

NHTSA ODI #551500

Official recalls

8

00V305000 · Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Oct 12, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH 2-SPOKE LUXURY WHEELS MANUFACTURED JULY 1992 THROUGH JUNE 1993; OR EQUIPPED WITH 4-SPOKE SPORT WHEELS MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 1992 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1993. THE STEERING WHEEL ARMATURE STAMPING CAN CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE STEERING WHEEL SEPARATES FROM THE CENTER HUB ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING COLUMN, LOSS OF CONTROL CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL FOR CRACKS AND ANY WHEELS WITH CRACKS WILL BE REPLACED. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL HAVE A REINFORCEMENT PLATE INSTALLED TO PREVENT STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION IN THE EVENT CRACKING OCCURS.

99V213000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge And Attachments

Sep 2, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE BOLTS USED TO ATTACH THE STRUT TO THE BODY AND THE REAR LIFTGATE CAN ACCUMULATE FATIGUE DAMAGE IF THREE FACTORS COMBINE. IF THE BOLT IS LOOSE, THE GAS STRUT IS OVER-PRESSURIZED, AND THE FREQUENCY OF OPENING AND CLOSING CYCLES IS HIGHER THAN FOR THE AVERAGE CUSTOMER, THE BOLT CAN FAIL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PERSONAL INJURY COULD OCCUR IF THE BOLTS BREAK ALLOWING THE LIFTGATE TO FALL SUDDENLY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR LOOSE FASTENERS, IF THE FASTENERS ARE LOOSE, THE STRUT (AND INTEGRAL BOLTS) WILL BE REPLACED. IF THE BOLT SHOWS EVIDENCE OF TORQUE, THE BOLT WILL BE REMOVED, LARGER WASHERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING WASHER AND THE BOLT WILL BE REINSTALLED AND HAND TIGHTENED TO THE TARGET TORQUED.

99V189000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages

Jul 16, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE LEFT HAND WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT DRIVE ARM WAS NOT MECHANICALLY STAKED TO THE PIVOT SHAFT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE DRIVE ARM TO DISENGAGE FROM THE SHAFT LEADING TO A LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION. THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY WOULD BE IMPAIRED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER PIVOT ASSEMBLY.

99V113000 · Air Bags

May 6, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE WIRING THAT INITIATES THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER AIR BAG COULD ELECTRICALLY SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND. A SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND THAT EXISTS IMMEDIATELY AFTER TURNING THE IGNITION KEY TO THE "ON" OR "START" POSITION CAN CAUSE THE AIR BAG(S) TO INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CAN INJURE A FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERFORM AN ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. ANY SHORT CIRCUITS IDENTIFIED IN EITHER THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INITIATOR WIRE CIRCUIT WILL BE REPAIRED.

97V148000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Sep 9, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. COVERS ON THE SOLID STALK MOUNTED SEAT BELT BUCKLES CAN BECOME DISLODGED CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO STICK INSIDE THE COVER. THE BUCKLE WOULD THEN BE ONLY PARTIALLY LATCHED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A COVER RETAINING CLIP TO THE STALK MOUNTED BUCKLE COVER TO PREVENT DISLOCATION OF THE BUCKLE COVER.

97V149000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 9, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI-VANS. THE CENTER REAR SEAT, RIGHT OUTBOARD SIDE, SAFETY BELT ANCHOR HOOK CAN BECOME UNATTACHED FROM THE BODY ANCHOR POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ANCHOR HOOK RETAINING CLIP WITH A REVISED PROFILE CLIP AND A COVER PLATE.

96V099000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Jun 13, 1996

THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON SEAL WEAR CAUSING PUMP-MOTOR DETERIORATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, THE ABS FUNCTION COULD BE LOST AND REDUCED POWER ASSIST WOULD BE EXPERIENCED DURING VEHICLE BRAKING INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE VEHICLE'S ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES IF NECESSARY. ALSO THE WARRANTY ON ALL ABS COMPONENTS WILL BE EXTENDED TO 10 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES (EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PISTON ASSEMBLY AND THE PUMP-MOTOR ASSEMBLY WHICH WILL HAVE A LIFETIME COVERAGE). OWNERS WILL ALSO BE REIMBURSED FOR PREVIOUS ABS COMPONENT REPAIR COSTS.

93V098000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Jun 4, 1993

THE 15 INCH WHEELS HAVE MALFORMED LUG NUT SEAT CONFIGURATION WHICH CAUSES POOR NUT-TO-WHEEL CONTACT AND CENTERING OF THE WHEEL DURING INSTALLATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: POOR NUT-TO-WHEEL CONTACT DURING INSTALLATION CAN LEAD TOPOSSIBLE LOSS OF A WHEEL, RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: THE ROAD AND SPARE WHEELS WITH THE MALFORMED LUG NUT SEAT CONFIGURATION WILL BE REPLACED.

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

13

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.

RQ00011 · Steering Wheel Separation

Opened May 1, 2000 · Closed Apr 1, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

Additional source detail variants (2)

Steering

There is no summary currently available

Steering

There is no summary currently available

RQ99004 · Rear Liftgate Support

Opened Apr 19, 1999 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079.ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027.AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAD NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE 1991 AND 1993 MODELS.SINCE THE CLOSING OF EA96-027, ODI HAS RECEIVED 34 COMPLAINTS OF REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT ATTACHING BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TEN INJURIES, ON THE SUBJECET VEHICLES.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A RECALL QUERY BE OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CLOSING NOTE: ON JULY 19, 1999, DAMILERCHRYSLER AGREED TO RECALL 1991, 1993, AND 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES TO REMEDY REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 99V-213.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RQ99-004 BE CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079.ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027.AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAD NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE 1991 AND 1993 MODELS.SINCE THE CLOSING OF EA96-027, ODI HAS RECEIVED 34 COMPLAINTS OF REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT ATTACHING BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TEN INJURIES, ON THE SUBJECET VEHICLES.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A RECALL QUERY BE OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CLOSING NOTE: ON JULY 19, 1999, DAMILERCHRYSLER AGREED TO RECALL 1991, 1993, AND 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES TO REMEDY REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 99V-213.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RQ99-004 BE CLOSED.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

ON MAY 7, 1997, CHRYSLER FILED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT TO RECALL 436,000 1992 DODGE CARAVAN/GRAND CARAVAN, PLYMOUTH VOYAGER/GRAND VOYAGER AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 97V-079.ODI HAD INVESTIGATION THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT PROBLEM FOR 1991-1993 CHRYSLER MINIVANS IN PE 96-035 AND EA96-027.AT THE TIME OF CLOSING EA96-027 ON MAY 16, 1997, A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAD NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED ON THE 1991 AND 1993 MODELS.SINCE THE CLOSING OF EA96-027, ODI HAS RECEIVED 34 COMPLAINTS OF REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT ATTACHING BOLT FAILURES, INCLUDING TEN INJURIES, ON THE SUBJECET VEHICLES.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT A RECALL QUERY BE OPENED TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF LIFTGATE SUPPORT FAILURES ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.CLOSING NOTE: ON JULY 19, 1999, DAMILERCHRYSLER AGREED TO RECALL 1991, 1993, AND 1994 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES TO REMEDY REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORTS; SAFETY RECALL 99V-213.IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RQ99-004 BE CLOSED.

EA97020 · Front Windshield Wiper

Opened Sep 30, 1997 · Closed Jul 27, 1999

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

ALLEGED FAILURES OF WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS

EA97005 · Safety Belt Anchorage Failures

Opened Apr 10, 1997 · Closed Dec 23, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

There is no summary currently available

PE97013 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened Apr 2, 1997 · Closed Sep 30, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL WHILE IN USE

DP97001 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened Mar 12, 1997 · Closed Apr 2, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility

CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON 1989 AND LATER CHRYSLER MODELS WHICH SHOULD INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SPIRIT/ACCLAIM: DYNASTY/NEW YORKER/LANDAU; LANCE/LEBARON; SHADOW/SUNDANCE; CARAVAN/VOYAGER.HOWEVER, BASED ON ODI'S COMPLAINT RECORDS, ONLY CERTAIN MINIVANS WILL BE INVESTIGATED

EA96027 · Alleged Rear Liftgate Support Failure

Opened Oct 31, 1996 · Closed May 16, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFTGATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEAR RESULTING IN SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.

PE96035 · Alleged Rear Liftgate Support Failure

Opened May 6, 1996 · Closed Oct 31, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

THE RETAINER BOLT OF THE REAR LIFT GATE SUPPORT CYLINDERS MAY SHEER RESULTING IN THE SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF THE REAR HATCH DOOR.

PE96008 · Safety Blt Latch Operation

Opened Jan 25, 1996 · Closed Jun 28, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

There is no summary currently available

EA94028 · Abs Braking System Fails

Opened Jul 29, 1994 · Closed Jun 24, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

PE94024 · Abs Braking System Fails

Opened Mar 7, 1994 · Closed Jul 29, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

EA94005 · Liftgate Latches

Opened Jan 31, 1994 · Closed Oct 25, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

LIFTGATE LATCHES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE FAILED IN LOW AND MODERATE SPEED IMPACTS RESULTING IN OCCUPANT EJECTIONS, INJURIES, AND FATALITIES.THERE ARE TWO FAILURE MODES ASSOCIATED WITH LATCH FAILURE: FORK BOLT-DETENT LEVER BYPASS, AND INERTIAL UNLATCHING.NHTSA ANALYSES OF CHRYSLER AND PEER MINIVANS TOOK THE FORM OF STATIC AND DYNAMIC CRASH TESTING, ENGINEERING EVALUATIONS, COMPLAINT AND FIELD ANALYSES, AND REAL WORLD DATA ANALYSES.A TECHNICAL REPORT DISCUSSING THESE ANALYSES CAN BE FOUND IN THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TECHNICAL REPORT IN THE PUBLIC VIEWING FILE.CHRYSLER HAS ADVISED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE LATCHES ON ALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE CHRYSLER CAMPAIGN WILL CONSIST OF NOTIFICATION LETTERS TO ALL OWNERS; FREE REPLACEMENT OF ALL LATCHES WITH STRONGER, SAFER LATCHES REGARDLESS OF THE AGE OF THE MINIVANS; NATIONAL ADVERTISING TO PROMOTE CUSTOMER AWARENESS OF THE CAMPAIGN; QUARTERLY REPORTS REGARDING CAMPAIGN COMPLETION RATES; AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ENSURE A HIGH COMPLETION RATE, ABOVE AND BEYOND THE ACTIONS THAT NORMALLY WOULD BE TAKEN IN A FORMAL SAFETY RECALL.THESE INCLUDE FOLLOW UP WRITTEN AND TELEPHONIC NOTIFICATIONS TO OWNERS WHO DO NOT BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR CORRECTIVE ACTION.NHTSA FIRMLY BELIEVES THAT THE CRASH PERFORMANCE OF THE LATCHES ON THESE MINIVANS RAISES SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS, AND THAT THE CAMPAIGN ADDRESSES THESE CONCERNS.THE CHRYSLER CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL INCREASE THE STRENGTH OF THE LIFTGATE LATCHES AND DECREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INERTIAL UNLATCHING, THEREBY REDUCING THE RISK OF CRASH-RELATED OPENINGS OF THE LIFTGATE AND POSSIBLE OCCUPANT EJECTION THROUGH THE LIFTGATE OPENING.OWNERS OF CHRYSLER MINIVANS WILL GET A STRONGER, SAFER LATCH FREE OF CHARGE AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE TIME, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION AND COMPLEX AND TIME-CONSUMING LITIGATION WITH AN UNCERTAIN OUTCOME.BASED ON THE ABOVE, ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION.