THE JACK THAT CAME EQUIPPED WITH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY COLLAPSED WHILE IN USE. CONSUMER BELIEVED THAT THE STATIONERY BOLT WAS DEFECTIVE. *AK UPON INSPECTION IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE TREADS IN THE STATIONARY BOLT FAILED COMPLETELY. *TS *NLM
1993 Dodge Grand Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1993 Dodge Grand Caravan do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 284.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Caravan 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: 45 of 289 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 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Seat Belts. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Equipment complaints
14 reportsCONSUMER WOULD BE SMELLING A LOT OF SMOKE WHILE DRIVING. DID NOT STOP, BUT CONTINUED TOWARDS HOME. UPON ARRIVAL, AFTER STOPPING VEHICLE, LIFTED HOOD AND NOTICED FAN MOTOR WAS BURNED OUT. WIRES CONNECTING FAN HAD BURNED/ LOCKED DOWN, AND CAUSED COMPRESSOR TO SHUTDOWN. *AK
HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY 86 VAN, MORE WITH THE 93 VAN AND EXPECTING MORE WITH MY 98 VAN I MUST BE NUTS TO HAVE PURCHASED THE 98 VAN. THE ABS BRAKES IN 1993 VAN FAILED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE I RAN THE LIGHT, A FEW DAYS LATER THEY CAME BACK ON OUT OF NOWHERE. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD BE DRIVING A CAR THAT I CAN NOT TRUST THE BRA…
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HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY 86 VAN, MORE WITH THE 93 VAN AND EXPECTING MORE WITH MY 98 VAN I MUST BE NUTS TO HAVE PURCHASED THE 98 VAN. THE ABS BRAKES IN 1993 VAN FAILED AND I WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE I RAN THE LIGHT, A FEW DAYS LATER THEY CAME BACK ON OUT OF NOWHERE. I DO NOT FEEL I SHOULD BE DRIVING A CAR THAT I CAN NOT TRUST THE BRAKES.*AK
THIS IS THE SECOND REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSION INSTALLED IN THIS VEHICLE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAVE FOLLOWED THE MAINTANENCE SCHEDULE. THESE TRANSMISSION FAILURES ARE GOING TO CAUSE A SEVERE REAR END TYPE ACCIDENT SOON IF CHRYSLER IS NOT HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. *AK
AIR CONDITIONER WON'T WORK, HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE WITH CARAVANS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, HAVE SEEN A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WITH THE PAINT CHIPPING. THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOLD US AT THE TIME THAT WE PURCHASED THAT THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SOME TYPE OF RECOURSE ON THE PAINT ON THE CARAVAN. I HAVE ONLY SEEN THIS PROBLEM…
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AIR CONDITIONER WON'T WORK, HAVE TALKED TO MANY PEOPLE WITH CARAVANS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. ALSO, HAVE SEEN A LARGE NUMBER OF VEHICLES WITH THE PAINT CHIPPING. THE PREVIOUS OWNER TOLD US AT THE TIME THAT WE PURCHASED THAT THERE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SOME TYPE OF RECOURSE ON THE PAINT ON THE CARAVAN. I HAVE ONLY SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON THE 1993'S AND EARLIER MODELS. WE OWN A 1994, SAME COLOR, DRIFTWOOD, AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER WITH AIR OR PAINT.
I BROUGHT MY VEH.IN TWICE WITHIN 2 YEARS,AS MY AIR CONDITIONER WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY.BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD IT WAS OK EVEN THOUGH THE 2ND TIME THEY HAD TO ADD 1 LB. OF 134-A.3 YEARS LATER IN 1998 IT TOTALLY QUIT.I TOOK IT ELSEWHERE AND WAS TOLD THE EVAPORATOR WAS LEAKING.I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT.I BELEIVE…
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I BROUGHT MY VEH.IN TWICE WITHIN 2 YEARS,AS MY AIR CONDITIONER WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY.BOTH TIMES I WAS TOLD IT WAS OK EVEN THOUGH THE 2ND TIME THEY HAD TO ADD 1 LB. OF 134-A.3 YEARS LATER IN 1998 IT TOTALLY QUIT.I TOOK IT ELSEWHERE AND WAS TOLD THE EVAPORATOR WAS LEAKING.I CONTACTED CHRYSLER AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT.I BELEIVE THEY ARE INSTALLING DEFECTIVE EVAPORATORS AS MY SISTER-IN-LAWS 93 VOYAGER HAD HERS REPLACED,A FRIENDS 92 VOYAGER HAD THEIRS REPLACED,AND A BUS COMPANY I WORKED FOR HAD 3 VOYAGERS THAT HAD TO BE REPAIRED BECAUSE OF LEAKS WITHIN 2 YEARS.I DON'T KNOW IF THIS STUFF IS POISONOUS BUT I HAVE BEEN BREATHING IT FOR 5 YEARS NOW.
EVAPORATOR BEGAN LEAKING COOLANT LAST SPRING; THIS IS A NON MOVING PART THAT SHOULD LAST FOR MANY, YEARS; IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE COOLANT USED R134 IS CORROSIVE TO THE MATERIAL THAT CHRYSLER USED TO MANUFACTURE THE EVAPORATORS; THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET.
MY AIR CONDITIONER WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY EVAPORATOR ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BY TWO SEPARATE AND DIFFERENT DEALERS........... NEITHER OF WHOM WANTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.......... THE PROBLEM EXISTS TO THE CURRENT DAY ............AND EVEN DODGE SAYS ITS THE DEALERS OPTION TO FIX THE A/C.......... EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE "…
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MY AIR CONDITIONER WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY EVAPORATOR ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS BY TWO SEPARATE AND DIFFERENT DEALERS........... NEITHER OF WHOM WANTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM.......... THE PROBLEM EXISTS TO THE CURRENT DAY ............AND EVEN DODGE SAYS ITS THE DEALERS OPTION TO FIX THE A/C.......... EVEN THOUGH I HAVE THE "BEST WARRANTY" IN THE BUISINESS... I AM BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE..... OR SHOULD I SAY HOT PLACE CAUSE MY VAN IS A FURNACE IN THE SUMMER WITH NO A/C AND THREE SWEATING KIDS.................IF POSSIBLE PLEASE HELP WITH WHO I CONTACT TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM..... NO ONE WANTS TO FIX MY CAR BECAUSE AS THEY PUT IT " WE DONT GET PAID ENUOUGH FROM DODGE TO DO THE JOB". *AK
THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS AN ENTERNAL LEAK. I HAVE HAD IT CHARGED THREE TIMES SO FAR AND THE MECH SAYS IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND TO CONTACT THE MFGR WHICH I AM DOING HERE. PLEASE ADVISE OF THE RECALL PROCEDURE AND HOW I CAN GET THIS FIXED. IT IS EXPENSIVE GETTING IT CHARGED EVERYTIME I TURN AROUND DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE M…
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THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS AN ENTERNAL LEAK. I HAVE HAD IT CHARGED THREE TIMES SO FAR AND THE MECH SAYS IT IS A RECALL PROBLEM AND TO CONTACT THE MFGR WHICH I AM DOING HERE. PLEASE ADVISE OF THE RECALL PROCEDURE AND HOW I CAN GET THIS FIXED. IT IS EXPENSIVE GETTING IT CHARGED EVERYTIME I TURN AROUND DUE TO A MALFUNCTION OF THE MFGR. PLEASE ADVISE....
TRANSMISSION FAILED CAUSING VIBRATION.
Official recalls
700V305000 · 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.
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
8DP03002 · 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.
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
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.
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