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2016 Dodge Grand Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Caravan years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 284.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

601 reports with mileage · 399 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 314 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 227 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 220 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 reports7 fire reports11 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

13 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2026
Service Brakes

The break calipers keep sticking and need to be replaced at least once per year. The stick and cause an awful black smoke. The last time they were replaced was almost a year ago to date.

NHTSA ODI #11748463

Mileage unknown · Sep 24, 2021
EngineService BrakesSteering

While pulling into a parking lot, the engine suddenly died with no indicator lights or warning of any kind. Steering locked up and brakes were not functional. Coasted to a stop in a stall and put the vehicle in park. Restarted it without incident but I'm afraid it will happen in much more dangerous conditions

NHTSA ODI #11434240

86,000 miles · Jan 28, 2021
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMOTE START FAILED TO OPERATE AND THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIVE STA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AT VEHICLE START-UP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REMOTE START FAILED TO OPERATE AND THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS INADVERTENTLY REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO FIVE STAR CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM OF WARNER ROBINS (2817 WATSON BLVD, WARNER ROBINS, GA 31088) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT AND RELAY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED HER NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 86,000.

NHTSA ODI #11390503

70,000 miles · Dec 30, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE INCLUDING ALL FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS SIMPLY SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ALL SYSTEMS ARE LOST. BRAKES, STEERING, ENGINE, ETC. THERE IS NO ADVANCED WARING OR INDICATIONS. THERE ARE NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE TO FI…

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WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE INCLUDING ALL FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS SIMPLY SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS. ALL SYSTEMS ARE LOST. BRAKES, STEERING, ENGINE, ETC. THERE IS NO ADVANCED WARING OR INDICATIONS. THERE ARE NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE TO FIX THIS MALFUNCTION WITH NO SUCCESS/PROGRESS. THIS IS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE BECAUSE ALL VEHICLE CONTROLS ARE LOST. BOTH TIMES THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. ONCE IN THE CITY AND THE OTHER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11385584

104,000 miles · Jun 17, 2020
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

AS I DRIVE IT AND PUT INTO STOP ON STOP LIGHT. THE BREAK DIDN'T ENGAGE. I HAD TO STEP ALL THE WAY OUT AND IT ENGAGE. IT FELT LIKE I LOST THE BRAKE FLUID . BUT THEN AFTER THAT.. WHEN THE GREEN LIGHT WENT ON.. THE VAN JUST OPERATED ITSELF JUST FINE. AFTER FEW MONTHS.. THE VAN STARTS OUT FINE BUT CANT BE DRIVEN. AS OF NOW WE MANAG…

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AS I DRIVE IT AND PUT INTO STOP ON STOP LIGHT. THE BREAK DIDN'T ENGAGE. I HAD TO STEP ALL THE WAY OUT AND IT ENGAGE. IT FELT LIKE I LOST THE BRAKE FLUID . BUT THEN AFTER THAT.. WHEN THE GREEN LIGHT WENT ON.. THE VAN JUST OPERATED ITSELF JUST FINE. AFTER FEW MONTHS.. THE VAN STARTS OUT FINE BUT CANT BE DRIVEN. AS OF NOW WE MANAGED TO PARK IT IN BUSINESSES PLAZA. AND THE A/C FEELS LIKE OR SOUNDS LIKE ACTING UP. AND NOW, TOTALLY CANT BE DRIVEN . *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329348

90,000 miles · Mar 11, 2020
Power TrainService BrakesSteering

WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WHEN THE VEHICLE DIED. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL, BUT THE BRAKES AND THE POWER STEERING WERE NOT WORKING AND THE CAR APPEARED TO BE IDLING, BUT NON-RESPONSIVE. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND FORCE THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED ON …

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WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC WHEN THE VEHICLE DIED. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS STILL FUNCTIONAL, BUT THE BRAKES AND THE POWER STEERING WERE NOT WORKING AND THE CAR APPEARED TO BE IDLING, BUT NON-RESPONSIVE. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND FORCE THE GEAR INTO PARK AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNED ON NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE DISPLAYED.

NHTSA ODI #11317577

95,000 miles · Feb 21, 2020
EngineService Brakes

WHEN I BRAKE HARD (FOR EXAMPLE AT A RED LIGHT), MY VAN SHUTS OFF. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH.

NHTSA ODI #11310601

23,800 miles · Jul 14, 2019
Power TrainService BrakesUnknown Or Other

OWNED DODGE GRAND CARAVAN RT 2016 ONE YEAR SLIDING DOOR ON DRIVER SIDE STOPPED WORKING FROM ONE DAY TO NEXT. THEN DRIVING DOWN HILL FROM FREEWAY, BRAKES MADE A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND AND THE WHOLE VAN WAS SHAKING I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA LOOSE CONTROL I REPLACE NEW BRAKES AND DRUM ITS BETTER BUT STILL SHAKY GOING DOWN HILL. AFTER MO…

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OWNED DODGE GRAND CARAVAN RT 2016 ONE YEAR SLIDING DOOR ON DRIVER SIDE STOPPED WORKING FROM ONE DAY TO NEXT. THEN DRIVING DOWN HILL FROM FREEWAY, BRAKES MADE A LOUD SCREECHING SOUND AND THE WHOLE VAN WAS SHAKING I THOUGHT I WAS GONNA LOOSE CONTROL I REPLACE NEW BRAKES AND DRUM ITS BETTER BUT STILL SHAKY GOING DOWN HILL. AFTER MONTH OF OWNING THE CAR I COULD FILL A LIL MISFIRE WHEN I GIVE A LIL GAS BUT JUST THOUGHT ITS AN RT HAS POWER. WELL RECENTLY MY VAN BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SHOWS ITS MISS FIRING (IGNITION COILS) AND SPARKPLUGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WELL WE REPLACE ALL SPARK PLUGS AND 1 IGNITION COIL BECAUSE THE OTHER COILS WERE STILL GOOD. THINGS WERE GOOD AND DROVE AROUND FOR 3 WEEKS THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES AGAIN. CODE STILL SHOWS IGNITION COIL NEED TO BE REPLACE. THIS TIME REPLACE ALL 6 IGNITION COIL, GUESS WHAT I JUST PICKED UP MY VAN TODAY AND 10 MIN OF DRIVING BACK HOME CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. TOOK IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC IT STILL MISS FIRING IGNITION COILS. I ABOUT READY TO THROW THIS VAN AWAY. THIS VAN IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD HOW COULD IT POSSIBLY HAVE THIS MUCH PROBLEMS. IN ADDITION WHEN I TURN ON MY SIGNAL LIGHT ON TO GO RIGHT OR LEFT MY WIPERS WILL GO OFF TOO.

NHTSA ODI #11231812

10,350 miles · Sep 20, 2018
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE FAILURE WENT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DODGE OF BURNSVILLE (12101 HWY 35 W S, BURNSVILLE, MN 55337…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND THE FAILURE WENT AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DODGE OF BURNSVILLE (12101 HWY 35 W S, BURNSVILLE, MN 55337, (952) 894-9000) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT NO FAILURE COULD BE FOUND. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD UPDATE THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD RECUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,350.

NHTSA ODI #11130411

70,000 miles · Jul 31, 2018
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RETRACT ONCE IT WAS RELEASED. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO RETRACT ONCE IT WAS RELEASED. AFTERWARDS, THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED TO 55 MPH. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO PLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN NEUTRAL AND DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY SAFELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A TOW WOULD BE PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ALLEN SAMUELS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (201 W LOOP 340, WACO, TX 76712, (254) 848-6200) WHERE IT WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. *TT *DT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR CONSUMER STATED THIS WAS THE SECOND ATTEMPT TAKING MY 2016 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY MY GAS PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR OF MY VEHICLE. AND VEHICLE TENTS ACCELERATE AND PICK UP SPEED, RPMS REVVING UP WHILE DRIVING. THE ISSUE AND DEFECT AND MECHANICAL ISSUES STILL EXIST. I AM SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 16TH 2018. TO TAKE THE VECHICLE BACK TO ALLEN SAMUELS DODGE CHRYSLER FOR THE THIRD TIME. YOU WILL FIND ATTACHED INVOICE FROM MY LAST VISIT FROM THE ABOVE CASE. NOTHING HAS CHANGED. FAMILY LIFE IS AT STAKE HERE EVERY TIME WE GET BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THIS VEHICLE THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THE GAS PEDAL STICKING TO THE FLOOR AGAIN DRIVING WITH IS ON YOUR MIND IT'S NOTA PLEASANT THOUGHT. YET AND STILL BOTH TIMES THAT WE HAVE TAKING A VEHICLE IN TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC AND INSPECTION OF THE PROBLEM AND DEFECT WE TOLD THAT THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 10/18/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11114963

Official recalls

6

25V876000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility:wheelchair Restraints/securement:latch/anchor:

Dec 17, 2025

Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

20V278000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

May 15, 2020

Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage) is recalling certain Vantage-modified 2016-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. The fuel pump gasket may deteriorate, allowing fuel to leak.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Vantage will notify owners, and will provide parts and reimbursement to owners for repair facilities to replace the fuel tank gasket, free of charge. The recall began May 19, 2020. Owners may contact Vantage customer service at 1-800-488-9082.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

16V461000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jun 24, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

16V300000 · Seats:mid/rear Assembly

May 16, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured March 16, 2016, to March 17, 2016. The nuts on the third row seatbacks were incorrectly torqued and may become loose.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the third row seatback becomes loose, it may separate from the seat frame, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-torque the third row seatback nuts, free of charge. The recall began on July 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S37.

15V595000 · Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

Sep 24, 2015

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015 to August 27, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that attach the hood striker may loosen and, as a result, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the hood opens while driving, the driver's vision may be obstructed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install new hood striker bolts with the proper torque, free of charge. The recall began on October 22, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is R53.

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

2

PE21016 · Sliding Doors Inoperative

Opened Jul 9, 2021 · Closed Jul 22, 2022

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-016 on July 7, 2021, to investigate 364 complaints alleging that one or both sliding doors on 2016 Model Year (MY) Grand Caravan or Town and Country vehicles could not be opened. The door(s) could not be opened using the mechanical handle or electronic remote switches. Many of the complaints described having to remove passengers seated in the rear of vehicles through the front doors, the second sliding door (if it was operational), the window, or the car?s rear hatch. The complainants have expressed concerns that if the sliding door(s) cannot be opened in the event of an emergency or crash, it could trap passengers or delay their egress.On June 4, FCA published TSB# 23-017-20 instructing dealers to replace the door lock actuator instead of the entire door latch assembly on the subject vehicles when consumers complained about either one or both of the sliding door locks not functioning and/or emitting a loud buzzing noise during lock/unlock operation. On June 16, 2021, FCA approved a Quality Warranty Extension for fifteen years/150,000 miles from the vehicle's in-service date for sliding door lock actuators on vehicles built between May 1, 2015, through January 9, 2017. FCA has started notifying owners about the new program. FCA will provide reimbursement for owners who previously paid for sliding door repairs.Consumers whose sliding doors are inoperative will have the opportunity to have their vehicle diagnosed, and if a fault is identified, have the sliding door actuator repaired at no charge.Analysis of the FCA IR response and ODI complaint data found that the majority (96%) of sliding door failures occurred prior to the calendar year 2020 when the subject vehicles had approximately 4 years in service. At the time of the closing of this investigation, 99% of the subject vehicles are passed the age where failures typically occur. The number of new reports has been decreasing since 2020 and further reduced following the FCA Warranty Extension program. ODI found that prior to a failure of the sliding door(s) there is normally a loud buzzing noise/sound generated that alerts the operator to the actuator starting to wear out.ODI has not identified any crashes or injury allegations due to the sliding door being inoperable on the subject vehicles following nearly six years of exposure. ODI will continue to monitor complaints received for the incidence of sliding doors becoming inoperative.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. 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.For a complete summary of this investigation and related consumer complaints, please see attached closing resume document.

PE19014 · 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.