NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
100 reportsClear category filter13,000 miles · Aug 12, 2012
Service Brakes
MAY 10, 2011 WITH 25917 KM ON THE VEHICLE AND AT THAT TIME WINDSOR CHRYSLER REPLACED MY FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. ON MARCH 15, 2012 I STARTED EXPERIENCING BRAKING PROBLEMS AGAIN WITH 45029 KM ON THE VEHICLE AND ONCE AGAIN WINDSOR CHRYSLER REPLACED MY FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON BOTH SIDES OF …
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MAY 10, 2011 WITH 25917 KM ON THE VEHICLE AND AT THAT TIME WINDSOR CHRYSLER REPLACED MY FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. ON MARCH 15, 2012 I STARTED EXPERIENCING BRAKING PROBLEMS AGAIN WITH 45029 KM ON THE VEHICLE AND ONCE AGAIN WINDSOR CHRYSLER REPLACED MY FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. ON BOTH OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY LEFT TO RIGHT WHEN I WAS BRAKING AT SPEED OF 100 KM WHEN AS THIS OCCURRED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY OTHER WARNING THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDS REPAIR. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10470308
17,000 miles · Aug 8, 2012
EngineService Brakes
WE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY BRAKE RECALL FROM DODGE JAN OR FEB 2012. AT THE TIME MY WIFE WAS EXPERIENCING JERKING AND PULLING TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PADS AND ROTORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND DODGE WOULD COVER THE COST. …
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WE RECEIVED NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY BRAKE RECALL FROM DODGE JAN OR FEB 2012. AT THE TIME MY WIFE WAS EXPERIENCING JERKING AND PULLING TO THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE FRONT PADS AND ROTORS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND DODGE WOULD COVER THE COST. THIS WAS AROUND FEB/MAR 2012 WITH APPROXIMATELY 17K ON THE VEHICLE. ON 4 AUG WE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO DODGE DUE TO THE SAME BRAKING PROBLEMS AND A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WE WERE ADVISED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS CAUSED BY A CRACK PISTON HEAD AND DODGE STATED THAT THE PISTON WOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, WE WERE THEN ADVISED THAT THE JERKING AND PULLING IN THE STEERING WAS CAUSED BY THE REAR BRAKES AND WE WOULD HAVE TO PAID $534.00 TO HAVE THE REAR ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED. THIS DIDN'T SOUND RIGHT TO ME SO I CHECKED FOR ANY TSB/RECALLS, THE CAS WEBSITE, AND NHTSA WEBSITE I FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE PROBLEMS (BOTH FRONT AND REAR) HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH DODGE AND REPAIRS AND COSTS HAVE BEEN ALL OVER THE BOARD WITH DODGE EXCEPTING NO REAL FIX EXCEPT CHARGING CAR OWNERS ON REPEATED REPAIRS THAT ONLY FIX THE PROBLEM FOR 3-9K. IF THIS IS THE CASE NHTSA SHOULD MANDATE DODGE TO PROPERLY FIX THIS PROBLEM WITH CORRECT PARTS OR FULLY RECALL ALL OF THESE VEHICLES. DODGE IS PUTTING MY WIFE AND SON IN DANGER EVERYTIME THEY SET FOOT IN THE VEHICLE, AND THAT IS SOMETHING THE AGENCY FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY SHOULD NOT ALLOW TO CONTINUE. WE CONSUMERS NEED A REAL FIX AND NOT A BANDAIDE ON A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND YOUR AGENCY SHOULD NOT ALLOW DODGE TO CONTINUE TO IGNORE THIS PROBLEM. NHTSA SHOULD NOT HAVE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO LOSE THEIR LIFE BEFORE TAKING ACTION AGAINST DODGE. WE ARE NOT BEANS TO COUNT, WE ARE PEOPLE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469612
1,389 miles · Jun 15, 2012
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE TRAVELING 3 MPH IN REVERSE, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE BRAKES. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25-30 MPH AND THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE. WHILE TRAVELING 3 MPH IN REVERSE, A GRINDING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE BRAKES. THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25-30 MPH AND THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION AS THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE AGAIN BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE FOURTH FAILURE OCCURRED AS THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 25 MPH AND A BURNING SMELL EMITTED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH AND THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SHAKE AFTER THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT TIMES. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES AND BOTH ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SENSOR, AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER SIDE HUB AND BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR BRAKES AND REAR CALIPERS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,389 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,550.
NHTSA ODI #10461877
12,000 miles · Jun 15, 2012
Service Brakes
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES FOR UNEVEN BRAKING AND PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR. BRAKING BECOMES DIFFICULT AND UNSAFE AFTER 10-12K MILES. WE ARE ON OUR 3RD SET OF BRAKES AND ROTORS IN 35K MILES. VEHICLE SHUTTERS AND BRAKING DISTANCES BECOME SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN NORMAL AFTER A SHORT TIME. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10461832
36,315 miles · Jun 12, 2012
Service Brakes
MY BRAKES STARTED TO GRIND TWO WEEKS AGO. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH THE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED. DODGE IN MEDINA, OHIO STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT SURE WHY I HAD PREMATURE WEAR AND WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR. I STATED THAT I AM AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE JOURNEYS BREAKS, HOWEVER IT GOT ME NO WHERE. I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE T…
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MY BRAKES STARTED TO GRIND TWO WEEKS AGO. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH THE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED. DODGE IN MEDINA, OHIO STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT SURE WHY I HAD PREMATURE WEAR AND WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPAIR. I STATED THAT I AM AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS OF THE JOURNEYS BREAKS, HOWEVER IT GOT ME NO WHERE. I HAD TO PAY TO REPLACE THEM TOTALLY OUT OF POCKET COSTING $364.93. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10461300
24,000 miles · Jun 8, 2012
Service Brakes
IT WAS A SATURDAY MORNING (ABOUT 9AM) AND I AM DRIVING ABOUT 70 MILES TO MY DESTINATION, THE BRAKES FELT LIKE THEY WERE APPLIED FOR ABOUT 1-2 SECONDS THEN RELEASED WITHOUT MY FOOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE BRAKES, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS ME BUT I AM ABLE TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUE FOR ABOUT ANOTHER 5 MORE MILES, AND IT …
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IT WAS A SATURDAY MORNING (ABOUT 9AM) AND I AM DRIVING ABOUT 70 MILES TO MY DESTINATION, THE BRAKES FELT LIKE THEY WERE APPLIED FOR ABOUT 1-2 SECONDS THEN RELEASED WITHOUT MY FOOT ANYWHERE NEAR THE BRAKES, THE STEERING WHEEL PULLS ME BUT I AM ABLE TO TAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I CONTINUE FOR ABOUT ANOTHER 5 MORE MILES, AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN, THIS TIME MORE VIOLENTLY. I WAS DOING THE SAME SPEED AS BEFORE, ABOUT 70 MPH AND VEHICLE WAS TRAVELLING IN THE SECOND LEFT LANE AND THE LANES WERE VEERING TO THE LEFT. THE BRAKES APPLIED AT A MUCH STRONGER RATE AND AGAIN, I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, FEELING AS THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING ME TO THE LEFT AS IF TO INTEND TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO RE-GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHILCE. I CALLED NORMANDIN AGAIN, THEY TOWED MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER 3 WEEKS OF HAVING IT AND "DRIVING THE VEHICLE HARD", THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE INCIDENT THAT OCCURED TO ME, THEREFORE, UNABLE TO PINPOINT THE CAUSE. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THE BACK ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED AS THEY ARE SHAKING BUT THAT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ONLY COVERS THE FRONT. I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REARAFTER 3 WEEKS, I HAVE MY HUSBAND DRIVE THE CAR HOME FROM THE DEALER (THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERS TOW'S TO THE DEALERSHIP, NOT FROM THE DEALERSHIP). THE CAR SAT IN THE PARKING GARAGE SINCE THAT DAY AND IT IS NOW JUNE, 2012 AND I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT ANY MORE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10461055
8,000 miles · Jun 6, 2012
Service Brakes
BRAKE SQUEALING AND SERIOUS MASSIVE VIBRATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10460737
16,607 miles · May 30, 2012
Service Brakes
I HAD MAJOR PULSATING / VIBRATING WHEN BRAKING ON MY 2010 DODGE JOURNEY AFTER ONLY 16K. I DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS AND EVEN A FEW CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ALLEGING THE BRAKE WERE UNDER ENGINEERED / UNDER SIZED FOR THIS CAR, AT LEAST ON THE 2009 & 2010 MODELS. I WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT CHRY…
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I HAD MAJOR PULSATING / VIBRATING WHEN BRAKING ON MY 2010 DODGE JOURNEY AFTER ONLY 16K. I DISCOVERED THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS AND EVEN A FEW CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS ALLEGING THE BRAKE WERE UNDER ENGINEERED / UNDER SIZED FOR THIS CAR, AT LEAST ON THE 2009 & 2010 MODELS. I WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT CHRYSLER EXTENDED THE WARRANTY (ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM) ON THE BRAKES FOR THESE VEHICLES, BUT WAS NOT PLEASED TO FIND OUT THAT 1) THEY WANT YOU TO PAY A $50 OR $100 "DEDUCTIBLE" TO FIX THE PROBLEM (THAT THEY ACKNOWLEDGED BY EXTENDING THE WARRANTY) 2) THE WARRANTY IS ONLY EXTENDED TO 36K MILES AND 3) THAT THE WARRANTY ONLY APPLIES TO THE FRONT BRAKES AND MY REAR BRAKES WERE ALSO WARPED, WHICH I ARGUE IS THE RESULT OF THE FRONT BRAKES BEING UNDERSIZED IN THE FIRST PLACE...HOW ELSE DO YOU EXPLAIN WARPED FRONT AND REAR ROTORS ON A VEHICLE ONLY 1 YR OLD AND ONLY 16K MILES? I PAID THE $50 DEDUCTIBLE FOR THE FRONT BRAKES, PLUS $199 + TAX (REAR BRAKES) TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD, AND PROMPTLY CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE TO PITCH A FIT AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT I THOUGH ABOUT HAVING TO PAY ONE CENT OUT OF MY POCKET FOR A PROBLEM THAT IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED (BY EXTENDING THE WARRANTY). I EVENTUALLY RECEIVED A FULL REIMBURSEMENT FROM CHRYSLER FOR THE FULL AMOUNT I PAID, INCLUDING THEIR $50 "DEDUCTIBLE". I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH THIS RESOLUTION, BUT STILL DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAD TO EVEN PAY OUT OF POCKET AND INITIATE THE COMPLAINT IN THE FIRST PLACE TO GET REIMBURSED, WHEN THEY ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE ISSUE. FAST FORWARD LESS THAN 1 YEAR LATER AND ABOUT 14K MILES LATER EXACT SAME PROBLEM. UNACCEPTABLE. I NOW HAVE TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN, AND I AM NOT HAPPY. CHRYSLER SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND REPLACE THE BRAKES ON THESE VEHICLES! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. ENOUGH WITH THE HALF @$$ ATTEMPT OF "EXTENDING WARRANTIES" AND "DEDUCTIBLES". *TR
NHTSA ODI #10460094
11,764 miles · May 30, 2012
Service Brakes
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: PURCHASED NEW 2/26/11 - ON 5/25/12 THE VEHICLE HAD 11764 ACTUAL MILES. HEARD SQUEALING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES - TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND REAR ROTORS WARPED AND REAR PADS NOISY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED REAR ROTORS AND PADS. PICKED UP VEHICLE AFTERNOON OF 5/25/12. DROVE VEHICLE HOME AND HAVE ONLY DRIVEN VEHICL…
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PROBLEM DESCRIPTION: PURCHASED NEW 2/26/11 - ON 5/25/12 THE VEHICLE HAD 11764 ACTUAL MILES. HEARD SQUEALING NOISE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES - TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AND REAR ROTORS WARPED AND REAR PADS NOISY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED REAR ROTORS AND PADS. PICKED UP VEHICLE AFTERNOON OF 5/25/12. DROVE VEHICLE HOME AND HAVE ONLY DRIVEN VEHICLE YESTERDAY 5/29/12 AND TODAY 5/30/12 TO WORK AND, AGAIN, THE SQUEALING HAS OCCURRED ON MY WAY HOME (5/30/12). CALLED THE SERVICE MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND REPORTED. AM TAKING INTO DEALERSHIP FIRST THING IN MORNING AGAIN (5/31/12). [*ALSO PLEASE NOTE THAT ON 01/13/12 I HAD A FLUID LEAK UNDER LEFT FRONT OF VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASED AND THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE A LEFT AXLESHAFT SEAL WHICH THEY STATED WAS A DEFECT.] *TR
NHTSA ODI #10460086
32,500 miles · May 16, 2012
Service Brakes
NTHSA, GOOD MORNING, I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING CONCERNS REGARDING THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON MY 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGIN TO SHAKE BACK AND FORTH AND THIS IS SOMEWHAT ALARMING TO BOTH ME AND MY WIFE. I HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES IN THE…
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NTHSA, GOOD MORNING, I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING CONCERNS REGARDING THE BRAKING SYSTEM ON MY 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHEN DRIVING AT SPEEDS OVER 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE STEERING WHEEL BEGIN TO SHAKE BACK AND FORTH AND THIS IS SOMEWHAT ALARMING TO BOTH ME AND MY WIFE. I HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES IN THE PAST AND I HAVE NOT EVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE. IS THERE A RECALL ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR SHOULD WE BE ALARMED AND MORE IMPORTANTLY WHAT SHOULD BE DONE? CONTACT DODGE AND FILE A COMPLAINT OR ASK THEM IF THEIR IS A RECALL ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM? PLEASE ASSIST? SINCERELY, MR. FREDERICK ROTT MSGT RETIRED USMC
NHTSA ODI #10458634
NHTSA investigations
4EA24003 · 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.
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.
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
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
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
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