Electrical System. Review the 767 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 269 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 195 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

41 crash reports30 fire reports27 injury reports

Seats complaints

6 reports

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Mileage unknown · May 2, 2020

Electrical SystemSeats

CAR WON'T START, FOB KEY DOES NOT WORK, DASHBOARD SHOWS HAZARD LIGHTS ON NO OTHER ICON SHOWN . TURN KEY, HAZARD LIGHTS BEGIN TO BLINK...NO ENGINE START.TOOK KEY OUT, LIGHTS STOP BLINKING....LOCKED DOOR (MANUALLY) AND LIGHTS STILL ON. TRIED 3 TIMES,WITH SAME RESULT.....

NHTSA ODI #11323017

34,903 miles · Jul 27, 2015

Power TrainSeatsService BrakesFire

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROTORS, CALIPERS, TRANSFER CASE, AND FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR CAUGHT FIRE, THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS AND THE BRAKE CALIPER WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE DEALER FOR THE TRANSFER CASE MALFUNCTION. UPON INSPECTION FOR THE SEAT SENSOR FAILURE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT A RUBBER BOOT WAS NOT INSTALLED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE INSULATION IGNITING. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND PLACED ELECTRICAL TAPE AT THE END OF THE WIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE TIRE SENSOR ALSO MALFUNCTIONED, WHICH RESULTED IN THE TIRE CONSTANTLY GOING FLAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14373000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,903.

NHTSA ODI #10743932

6,000 miles · Apr 10, 2011

SeatsService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

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04/10/11 NHTSA HEADQUARTERS 1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE WEST BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20590 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. I AM WRITING YOU IN REFERENCE OF THE PURCHASED OF MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE, A 2009-DODGE JOURNEY SE ON JUNE 08, 2008. THIS CAR BEGINNING TO HAVE PROBLEMS AFTER IT 6,000 MILES HAVING A NUMEROUS REPAIRS SINCE THEM. I SUBMITTED THE CAR TO THE LEMON LAW BEFORE THE WARRANTY TIME EXPIRED. CHRYSLER GROUP DENIED IT ARGUING THAT MY CAR IS RUNNING UNDER THE COMPANY EXPECTATION. CURRENTLY THE CAR STILL HAS SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND NOISES(SUCH AS BRAKE NOISES, TURN WHEEL NOISES AND OTHER). THE CAR BOUNCING AFTER 50 MP MILES AND EVERY TIME THAT BUMPS ON THE STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE MAKES STRONGLY BOUNCES. THE COMPANY STATES THE BOUNCING AND THE NOISES ARE PART OF THE CARS MANUFACTURED. IN ADDITION TO ALL THE REPORTED REPAIRS, THE SEATS GET EASILY STAIN WITH ANY TYPE OF LIQUID AND THE BLACK COLOR OF THE INTERIOR IS FADING, I MEAN THE BLACK IS BECOMING GRAY. I WILL SUBMIT ANY DOCUMENT THAT COULD SUPPORT MY CLAIM IF IS REQUIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395406

14,000 miles · Mar 3, 2011

Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Seats

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I PURCHASED A 2009 DODGE JOURNEY IN AUGUST OF 2008. I HAVE HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH ROTOR AND BRAKE WEAR. THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND ALL 4 BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE WITH THE FRONT BEING REPLACED 3 TIMES. THE FIRST OF WHICH OCCURRED JUST PAST 12,000 MILES. THIS IS WHEN BRAKE AND ROTOR WEAR WARRANTY ENDS. I HAVE ALSO HAD SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS WITH THE WIRING SENSOR MODULE, RESULTING IN STABILITY CONTROL AND ANTI-LOCK BRAKE LIGHT TO COME ONE. I ALSO HAVE POWER PORTS IN THE VEHICLE THAT DO NOT WORK AS WELL AS A LIFT GATE THAT DOES NOT LOCK. I CURRENTLY HAVE 48,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE AND NOW HAVE ISSUES WITH LEAKING. I AM UNSURE HOW WATER IS ENTERING THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY THRU THE AIR CONDITIONING DRAINAGE SYSTEM. THE ENTIRE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR BOARDS ARE WET AS WELL AS THE BUILT IN COOLER BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT BEING COMPLETELY FILLED WITH WATER WITHIN SEVERAL DAYS OF EMPTYING. THIS OCCURS WHEN IT IS NOT RAINING OR WET OUTSIDE. I NOW HAVE MOLD ISSUES IN THE VEHICLE. MYSELF AND MY CHILDREN HAVE SIGNIFICANT ALLERGIES AND ASTHMA. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS RESULTING IN AIR BAG FAILURE ARE DEFIANTLY SCARY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10386308

2,000 miles · Dec 31, 2010

Electrical SystemPower TrainSeats

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AT 2000 MILES ON MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW STICKING, AND BRAKES SQUEAKING. ALSO CAR NOT SHIFTING WHEN TAKING OFF AND WHEN YOU SLOW DOWN AND TRY TO SPEED BACK UP. I TOOK IT IN. THEY TOLD ME MAYBE SAP IN WINDOW AND BRAKES FINE. THREE DAYS LATER WINDOW ACTING UP AGAIN. TOOK IT IN. SAME REASON. CLEANED AND GREASED. THIS IS THE EIGHT TIME I'VE TAKEN IT IN. THEY HAVE REPLACED MOTORS, SWITCHES, TRACKS, SEALS AND NOW WONT ROLL UP OR DOWN . THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE THE START. AT 21000 MILES THE DEALER TELLS ME I NEED NEW PAD AND ROTORS. TAKE IT TO BRAKE SHOP AND THEY TELL ME ALL I NEED IS PAD. BRAKES WORKING FINE RIGHT NOW BUT STILL SQUEAK EVERY NOW AND THEN. THEY HAVE REPLACED ELECTRICAL HARNESSES THAT MAY CATCH ON FIRE. THE SQUEAKING NOISE NOW HAS TURNED INTO OTHER PARTS THAT ARE HAVING TO BE REPLACED. MY COMPUTER CHIP HAS BEEN RESET 4 TIMES AND CHEAP PLASTIC MIRRORS ON VISORS AND SUNGLASS HOLDER AND LIGHT ON INSIDE ROOF. THE SPRINGS ON MY BACK DOORS HAVE POPPED OUT LEAVING THE DOOR STUCK OPEN. WENT TO EAT WITH 23000 MILES ON THE CAR AND AFTER LEAVING THE CAR WOULD NOT START. CALLED DEALER AND THEY CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND WANTED ME TO PAY FOR THAT ALSO. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS ON 10-15 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS FOR REPAIRS. THEY STILL HAVE NOT GOT THESE ISSUES FIXED. WHAT CAN I DO? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373584

700 miles · Jul 6, 2009

Seats

METAL RAILS FOR THE 2ND ROW SEATS ARE SHARP ON THE ENDS. MY CHILD HAS BUMPED HER FOOT ON THIS NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAS CUT OPEN HER TOE ON THIS RAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275877

Official recalls

16V273000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

May 6, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.

16V047000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jan 29, 2016

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.

14V373000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:switch

Jun 26, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

Consequence: If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V-139.

Electrical System:ignition:switch

10V658000 · Electrical System:wiring

Dec 24, 2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THROUGH NOVEMBER 7, 2008. THE WIRES WITHIN THE FRONT DOOR WIRE HARNESSES MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK, WHICH CAN INTERRUPT THE CIRCUITS FOR THE SIDE IMPACT SENSOR(S), RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATION AND LOSS OF SIDE CRASH SENSING CAPABILITY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SIDE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, REDUCING THE PROTECTION INTENDED FOR THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT DOOR WIRING HARNESSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

09V118000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Electrical System:wiring

Apr 9, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:frontal

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

09V082000 · Electrical System

Mar 12, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 16,852 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITHOUT OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET. AN UNUSED ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR THE OPTIONAL 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET OPTION MAY BECOME CORRODED AND COULD SHORT CIRCUIT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE FUSE FOR THIS CIRCUIT DOES NOT BLOW, THE CONNECTOR COULD OVERHEAT AND POTENTIALLY CATCH FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RE-ROUTE AND STOW THE 115 VOLT AUXILIARY POWER OUTLET CONNECTOR AND PULL THE 25 AMP FUSE TO REMOVE POWER FROM THIS UNUSED CIRCUIT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 30, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V528000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Oct 9, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 712 MY 2009 SEBRING, DODGE CALIBER, AVENGER, JOURNEY, JEEP PATRIOT, AND COMPASS VEHICLES. A NEW ADHESIVE USED IN THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) MANUFACTURING PROCESS CAN CAUSE THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO BREAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 10, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

08V247000 · Electrical System:wiring

Jun 3, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 6,692 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.5L ENGINE. THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTACT THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DAMAGE TO THE WIRING HARNESS COULD RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS FOR DAMAGE. IF THE HARNESS IS DAMAGED, THE WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED AND A TIE WRAP INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. IF NO DAMAGE IS FOUND, A TIE WRAP WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HARNESS AWAY FROM THE LEFT TRANSAXLE MOUNT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 7, 2008. 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

EA24003 · Vehicle Entrapment

Opened Aug 1, 2024 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE23008 · Vehicle Entrapment

Opened May 1, 2023 · Closed Aug 15, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch; Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock; Latches/locks/linkages:electronic Lock/latch Actuator

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During this investigation, ODI collected information and evidence related to the defect allegation and incident, from the manufacturer and involved parties. The information and evidence collected in this initial phase was insufficient to make a defect determination. ODI has upgraded this investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA24003) to develop a more comprehensive understanding of whether a potential safety defect exists. To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:lock

Latches/locks/linkages:electronic Lock/latch Actuator

DP14004 · Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

Opened Sep 25, 2014 · Closed Jul 24, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by CAS as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to the subject vehicles equipped with TIPM-7. Approximately 3 percent of CAS complaints are related to vehicles equipped with TIPM-6 and ODI?s review of these complaints did not identify any safety defect trends. ODI conducted a detailed review of complaints narratives submitted by CAS and consumers including careful analysis of vehicle repair histories, warranty claims obtained from the manufacturer and any available Customer Assistance Inquiry reports (CAIR). Analysis of the field data indicated that MY2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles exhibited significantly higher complaint rates related to fuel pump relay (FPR) failures than other subject vehicles. In a September 3, 2014 letter to NHTSA, Chrysler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the FPR within the TIPM-7 which can result in a no start or stall condition in approximately 188,723 model year (MY) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) and Dodge Durango (WD) vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010 through July 20, 2011 (14V-530).In a February 24, 2015 letter, Chrysler submitted a second DIR expanding the scope of the FPR defect condition to include an additional 338,216 MY 2012 through 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from September 17, 2010 through August 19, 2013 and MY 2012 through 2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 18, 2011 through August 19, 2013 (15V-115).ODI analysis of the CAS allegations of TIPM defects resulting in stall while driving, airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration, fire and other faults identified a single defect condition related to 1 of over 60 different circuits in the TIPM assembly. The most common effect of this defect condition, related to the fuel pump relay, was a no-start concern, but it could also result in stall while driving (76 complaints). No valid evidence was presented in support of claims related to airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration or fire resulting from TIPM faults and these claims were found to be wholly without merit based on review of the field data and design of the relevant systems and components.Except insofar as the petitioner's contentions relate to the defect condition addressed by the Chrysler recalls, the factual bases of the petitioner's contentions that any further investigation is necessary are unsupported. In our view, additional investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists or a NHTSA order for the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect as alleged by the petitioner at the conclusion of the requested investigation. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is den

RQ14002 · Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall

Opened Jun 16, 2014 · Closed Mar 2, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:module

In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.Chrysler determined that a defective WIN module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of the inadvertent key rotation, and that a new design WIN module would be installed as a remedy.In Spring 2014 ODI conducted outreach to major light vehicle manufacturers regarding ignition key position and its effect on air bag system availability.The outreach was conducted in connection with NHTSA Recall No. 14V047, a recent recall involving inadvertent ignition key rotation and subsequent air bag disablement in certain GM products.During discussions held in April 2014, Chrysler advised ODI that Chrysler air bag systems of this vintage, including the subject vehicles, revert to energy reserve when the ignition key moves to the ACC or OFF position, and that under energy reserve the air bags would only be available for a short period, approximately two tenths of a second (ODI notes this consequence was not identified in the 11V139 recall report).A review of the ODI consumer database conducted after the April 2014 discussions identified complaints alleging that MY 2008-2009 vehicles may have a similar defect as the MY 2010 vehicles, and that some MY 2010 consumers reported experiencing ignition key position concerns after the 11V139 recall remedy was applied.Accordingly this investigation was opened.In response to ODI?s information request letter, Chrysler reported that MY 2008-2009 subject vehicles used the same design WIN module as the recalled vehicles, and also identified 66 consumer reports and one non-injury crash incident potentially related to inadvertent ignition key rotation.Chrysler?s review of the MY 2010 remedy used in 11V139, which involved installation of a Trim Ring as opposed to replacement of the WIN module, showed the remedy did not adequately address ignition key position concerns, and in some use-cases could cause other systems to operate improperly (radio, instrument panel lighting, HVAC fan motor, etc.).Chrysler subsequently filed multiple defect information reports to 1) add the MY 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, and the MY 2009 Dodge Journey to the original recall scope, and 2) stating that the complete WIN module would be replaced with a new design component in all recalled vehicles (including those that had the Trim Ring installed during 11V139).Chrysler?s report also advises of constrained remedy parts availability, see NHTSA Recall No. 14V373 for further details.Accordingly, the investigation is closed based on the recall action Chrysler is undertaking.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10584873, 10583399, 10573295, 10566365, 10546805, 10513060, 10509284, 10503121, 10496599, 10475027, 10456099, 10450629, 10443680, 10422766, 10410447, 10409269, 10402947, 10402751, 10402660, 10396943, 10394957, 10356632, 10315972

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

Electrical System:ignition:module