NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
100 reportsClear category filter42,000 miles · Aug 18, 2013
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes
EVERYTHING FIRST STARTED ABOUT 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE WITH THE SENSOR LIGHTS RANDOMLY COMING ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAVE REPLACED BRAKES AND ROTORS 4 TIMES. BUT THE PROBLEMS WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS HAVE BEEN THE WORST. MY CAR WILL NOT START ALL THE TIME VERY UNRELIABLE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER TWICE THE BATTERY…
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EVERYTHING FIRST STARTED ABOUT 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE WITH THE SENSOR LIGHTS RANDOMLY COMING ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I HAVE REPLACED BRAKES AND ROTORS 4 TIMES. BUT THE PROBLEMS WITHIN THE LAST 4 MONTHS HAVE BEEN THE WORST. MY CAR WILL NOT START ALL THE TIME VERY UNRELIABLE. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE STARTER TWICE THE BATTERY TWO STARTER MODULES AND THE IGNITION AND STILL DOESN'T WORK. AS SOON AS IT'S POSSIBLE I WILL GET RID OF THIS CAR AND NEVER AGAIN AS LONG AS I LIVE WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER CHRYSLER PRODUCT. THEY ARE JUNK!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10535925
20,000 miles · Jul 24, 2013
Service Brakes
PREMATURE WEARING OF BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10531609
30,000 miles · Jul 17, 2013
Service Brakes
HAD RECALL DONE ONCE BEFORE ON THE BRAKES AND HAD ROTORS TURNED. THEN APPROX 25,000 MILES AFTER HAD TO DO IT AGAIN THERE WAS NO BRAKE PADS LEFT IT WAS METAL ON METAL. THERE IS BAD VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEN BRAKING. THE CALIPERS ARE STICKING THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKES THE LAST TIME I HAD IT DONE IT WA…
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HAD RECALL DONE ONCE BEFORE ON THE BRAKES AND HAD ROTORS TURNED. THEN APPROX 25,000 MILES AFTER HAD TO DO IT AGAIN THERE WAS NO BRAKE PADS LEFT IT WAS METAL ON METAL. THERE IS BAD VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEN BRAKING. THE CALIPERS ARE STICKING THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THE FRONT AND BACK BRAKES THE LAST TIME I HAD IT DONE IT WAS AT NTB IT COST RIGHT AT $400.00 TO REPAIR AND THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM WITH BRAKING AND THE VIBRATION. IT WILL LAST ABOUT A MONTH ONCE EVERYTHING IS DONE THEN ITS BACK TO SAME OLD STUFF. I CANT KEEP GOING BACK FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IT IS COSTING ME TO MUCH MONEY TO GET FIXED. THE LAST RECALL NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. THEN DODGE WANT TO CHARGE YOU ALL THE FEES CAUSE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525296
55,000 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Service Brakes
I HAVE OWNED THIS JOURNEY FOR LITTLE OVER 2 YRS NOW AND HAVE HAD 8 SETS OF BRAKES AND ROTORS PUT ON. TIE RODS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN TO GO BAD ON ANY AND ALL DODGES AND THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES NOW AS WELL. SUED DODGE ONCE ALREADY AFTER TRYING TO LEMON LAW THIS POS. IS IT GOING TO TAKE A FAMILY SUCH AS MINE DYING TO …
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I HAVE OWNED THIS JOURNEY FOR LITTLE OVER 2 YRS NOW AND HAVE HAD 8 SETS OF BRAKES AND ROTORS PUT ON. TIE RODS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN TO GO BAD ON ANY AND ALL DODGES AND THE TIRES HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES NOW AS WELL. SUED DODGE ONCE ALREADY AFTER TRYING TO LEMON LAW THIS POS. IS IT GOING TO TAKE A FAMILY SUCH AS MINE DYING TO MAKE DODGE FIX THIS PROBLEM. WE PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND 300-500 EVERY FEW MONTHS TO GET BRAKES AND ROTORS FIXED. PAY A TON OF MONEY FOR A VEHICLE AND SHOULDN'T HAVE TO FIX SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS BRAKES AND ROTORS BECAUSE THESE SO CALLED SMART ENGINEERS COULDN'T FIGURE OUT THAT THE SAME BRAKES AND ROTORS OFF OF A DODGE AVENGER SHOULDN'T BE PUT ON A DODGE JOURNEY 7 PASSENGER VEHICLE. OUR GOVERNMENT SHOULD CLOSE THESE KINDA PLACES DOWN BEFORE WE PEOPLE DECIDE TO DO IT OURSELVES BECAUSE NEXT TIME MY BRAKE AND ROTORS NEED REPLACED I AM DRIVING IT BACK TO DODGE WHERE I GOT IT AND THEY AREN'T GONNA LIKE ME AND THE NEWS WILL BE WITH ME AS WELL. WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE TO DO FOR OUR INCONVENIENCES IS GIVE US ALL BRAND NEW CARS COMPARABLE TO OURS NOW OR A NEW DODGE JOURNEY WITH THE NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS ON THEM BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN THEM AND THE BRAKES AND ROTORS ARE MUCH MUCH BIGGER THAN THE TEENY TINY ONES I GOT ON MY CAR. BUT THAT WOULD BE TOO EASY BECAUSE THEY WANT US TO SPEND OUR HARD EARNED MONEY BECAUSE WE HAVE NO CHOICE AND WHEN WE TRY AND TRADE IT IN THEY BONE US BECAUSE THEY KNOW ITS WORTH CRAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521555
63,562 miles · Jun 12, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingService BrakesSteering
WENT TO HAVE MY BRAKES INSPECTED DUE TO A SCREECHING SOUND. THE SOUND AT 1ST LASTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS. BY THE TIME I MADE IT TO THE BRAKE SHOP IT OF COURSE STOPPED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WE WERE TOLD THAT IN 3 MORE DAYS THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE WENT OUT. WE DO NOT DRIVE HARD OR EVER HAVE TO STOP FAST. MY HUSBAND & I LEA…
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WENT TO HAVE MY BRAKES INSPECTED DUE TO A SCREECHING SOUND. THE SOUND AT 1ST LASTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS. BY THE TIME I MADE IT TO THE BRAKE SHOP IT OF COURSE STOPPED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WE WERE TOLD THAT IN 3 MORE DAYS THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE WENT OUT. WE DO NOT DRIVE HARD OR EVER HAVE TO STOP FAST. MY HUSBAND & I LEARNED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS AN KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SHOP.. WE WERE TOLD THE BRAKES WILL SCREECH & THEN STOP WORKING IF NOT FIXED RIGHT AWAY! THAT'S VERY SCARY AS WE DON NOT WANT TO CRASH & KILL SOMEONE OR OUR SELVES. THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED STARTING WITH THE CALIPERS & WAS RUBBING IN THE PAD CAUSING EXTREME WEAR & IS WAS SAID THE MANUFACTURED BRAKE ARE NOT MADE TO STOP A VEHICLE SO HEAVY AS OURS. AND FOR THAT REASON WE WERE TOLD TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I CALLED DODGE & WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED & WE WOULD HAD TO PAY FOR IT ON OUR OWN. ALSO WHEN WE BOUGHT THE DODGE IN 2010 BRAND NEW THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF & WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. AFTER HAVING THE ALIGNMENT & BRAKES REPAIRED FOR A SECOND TIME IN UNDER 2YEARS IT IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS TIME IT WILL COST US $575.00 TO REPAIR JUST THE BRAKE SYSTEM.. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP! BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED!! AND DODGE SHOULD OWN UP TO THIS ISSUE! IN ADDITION THE A/C HAS A LOOSE CONNECTION & WILL STOP BLOWING FOR NO REASON. AND OTHER ISSUE TO DEAL WITH IN HOT WEATHER! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519485
32,000 miles · May 31, 2013
Service Brakes
THE REAR BRAKES STARTED SQUEAKING, I HAD THE CHRYSLER DEALER INSPECT AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE BRAKES. I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED BY YEARS. I CALLED THEM BECAUSE I READ THAT THEY WERE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND R…
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THE REAR BRAKES STARTED SQUEAKING, I HAD THE CHRYSLER DEALER INSPECT AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE BRAKES. I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER SERVICE TO SUBMIT A COMPLAINT AND WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED BY YEARS. I CALLED THEM BECAUSE I READ THAT THEY WERE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS AT 32,000 MILES. I RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE BRAKES AND ROTOR IS TOO THIN FOR THE WEIGHT OF THE CAR AND THAT CHRYSLER DODGE KNEW ABOUT IN THEIR 2009 JOURNEY AND DIDN'T FIX IT IN THE 2010. THE "SHORT" EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY IS NOT SUFFICIENT, THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. I BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE CLAIM OF DRIVABILITY AND LOW GAS MILEAGE SO DRIVING FAST IN THIS CAR DOESN'T HAPPEN. I DRIVE CAREFUL AND DO NOT DRIVE FAST OR BRAKE HARD SO THE REAR BRAKES SHOULD NOT HAVE WORN OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10514554
60,000 miles · Apr 17, 2013
Service Brakes
AFTER HAVING THE BRAKES & ROTORS REPLACED IN JUNE OF 2012 AT 47K MILES, I STARTED HEARING A LITTLE SCREECH FROM MY BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND PAID FOR AN INSPECTION. HE FOUND THE BRAKE HOSE HAD FAILED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS BIG OF A VEHICLE. IN RETURN THAT CAUSED THE CALIPER TO COMPRESS AGAINST THE ROTOR …
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AFTER HAVING THE BRAKES & ROTORS REPLACED IN JUNE OF 2012 AT 47K MILES, I STARTED HEARING A LITTLE SCREECH FROM MY BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND PAID FOR AN INSPECTION. HE FOUND THE BRAKE HOSE HAD FAILED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT SUITABLE FOR THIS BIG OF A VEHICLE. IN RETURN THAT CAUSED THE CALIPER TO COMPRESS AGAINST THE ROTOR CAUSING ABNORMALLY FAST WEAR & TEAR ON THE BRAKE PADS. MY BRAKES, ROTORS, CALIPERS & BRAKE HOSE NEED TO BE REPAIRED AFTER 13K MILES. I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM EVERY YEAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10508552
26,500 miles · Mar 26, 2013
Service Brakes
I REPLACED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS PADS TWICE, I REPLACE A ROTOR AND WHEEL BEARING, THIS COST ME OVER $450.00, DID NOT KNOW THAT WARRANT HAD BEEN EXTENDED FOR MY CAR. AFTER DOING ALL THIS AFTER A FEW MONTHS STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM TOOK IT INTO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD DO THE SAME THING AND I NEEDED TO PAY A $100.00 DEDU…
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I REPLACED IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS PADS TWICE, I REPLACE A ROTOR AND WHEEL BEARING, THIS COST ME OVER $450.00, DID NOT KNOW THAT WARRANT HAD BEEN EXTENDED FOR MY CAR. AFTER DOING ALL THIS AFTER A FEW MONTHS STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM TOOK IT INTO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD DO THE SAME THING AND I NEEDED TO PAY A $100.00 DEDUCTIBLE, HOPEFUL MY CAR WILL BE DONE TODAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504546
25,500 miles · Mar 6, 2013
Service Brakes
WE HAVE HAD THE BRAKES DONE TWO TIMES NOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501888
34,000 miles · Mar 1, 2013
Service Brakes
PURCHASED USED DODGE 2010 JOURNEY FROM DEALERSHIP IN MAY 2012, RETURNED VEHICLE ABOUT 2WEEKS LATER TO HAVE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECK FOR TICKING NOISE ON DRIVERS SIDE WHEN DRIVING. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED VEHICLE AND SAID THEY DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING AND IT JUST MAY BE WIND NOISE WHEN I DRIVE AT A CERTAIN SPEED. ONE MONTH LATER,…
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PURCHASED USED DODGE 2010 JOURNEY FROM DEALERSHIP IN MAY 2012, RETURNED VEHICLE ABOUT 2WEEKS LATER TO HAVE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECK FOR TICKING NOISE ON DRIVERS SIDE WHEN DRIVING. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED VEHICLE AND SAID THEY DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING AND IT JUST MAY BE WIND NOISE WHEN I DRIVE AT A CERTAIN SPEED. ONE MONTH LATER, I NEEDED BRAKES-FRONT ROTORS THAT WERE BAD. I HAD MY MECHANIC TO REPLACE AND HE DID APOLOGIZE THAT I HAD PURCHASED A LEMON AND HAD TO SPEND OUT MONEY FOR BRAKES ALREADY. NEEDED 2 REAR TIRES BY JULY 2012, THEY HAD NEVER BEEN ROTATED BUT I ACCEPTED FOR NOT DOING ENOUGH HOMEWORK ON PURCHASE. NOW AT 50,000 MILES, CAR JUST CUTS OFF, WONT START UNTIL HOURS LATER, AND DIAGNOSTIC TEST DOES NOT SHOW ANY CODES OR PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10500883
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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