NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
69 reportsClear category filter90,000 miles · Mar 2, 2016
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10839525
86,000 miles · Dec 18, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering
3 DAYS AGO WITH THE CAR ALARM SOUNDING IN EARLY MORNING. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THERE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR JUST STATED RANDOMLY HONKING IT HORN ON ITS OWN! NOW THIS IS ALL HAPPENING WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I THOUGHT THAT MAYBE MAYBE IT WAS PART O…
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3 DAYS AGO WITH THE CAR ALARM SOUNDING IN EARLY MORNING. I WENT OUTSIDE TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND THERE WAS NOTHING THERE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT. THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR JUST STATED RANDOMLY HONKING IT HORN ON ITS OWN! NOW THIS IS ALL HAPPENING WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. I THOUGHT THAT MAYBE MAYBE IT WAS PART OF THE SECURITY ON THE CAR AND THEN IT STOPPED ABOUT 5 MINS LATER. WHILE STILL PARKED. LATER ON IN THE DAY I TOOK THE CAR OUT TO DO SOME THINGS WHEN IT STARTED RANDOMLY HONKING IT OWN HORN. THIS WAS ALL HAPPENING WHILE I WAS ON A MAJOR ROAD. THIS THEN CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS MOMENT BECAUSE I GOT DISTRACTED BECAUSE I COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHY THE HELL MY CAR JUST STARTED RANDOMLY HONKING IT HORN AND IT WOULDN'T STOP FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. MULTIPLE PEOPLE STOPPED BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT I WAS HONKING AT THEM WHICH CAUSED THINGS TO GET VERY CRAZY. SO NOW I KNOW SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT, SO I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR BACK HOME FOR EVERYONE'S SAFETY AND WELL BEING.SO NOW THE CAR IS BACK HOME AND THE RANDOM HONKING HAS STOPPED. WE ALL WENT TO BED, AND AT 12:00 PM THURSDAY NIGHT. IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY,IT WOULD BEEP AND BEEP AND THEN STOP AND BEEP AGAIN AND THEN IT WOULDN'T STOP BEEPING AND THEN IT WOULDN'T STOP. NOW I THEN GOT REALLY NERVOUS BECAUSE THIS JUST ISN'T SAFE AND IS ANNOYING FOR THE POOR NEIGHBORS TRYING TO SLEEP. SO LUCKILY ABOUT 10 MINS LATER THE HONKING HAD STOPPED. I WENT BACK TO SLEEP HOPING IT WOULDN'T CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. NOW ITS FRIDAY THERE HASN'T BEEN ANY HONKING FOR THE LAST FEW HOURS WHILE ITS BEEN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY ALL NIGHT. NOW THROUGH THE WHOLE FRIDAY NOTHING SEEMED TO HAPPEN UNTIL ABOUT 7:00 PM, IT HAPPENED AGAIN THE CAR STARTED BEEPING ITS HORN AND THIS TIME FOR ABOUT 10 MINS RANDOMLY DURING THAT TIME WHILE IT WAS PARKED. KNOWING THAT THIS WASN'T GOING TO STOP I TOOK OUT HORN FUSES FOR NOW,BUT NOW I HAVE NO HORN!
NHTSA ODI #10811214
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2015
EngineService BrakesSteering
THIS IS REGARDS TO RECALL R03 ON A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. I HAVE BEEN A A RECALL LIST FOR MANY MONTHS. MY VEHICLE TWICE NOW HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. AFTER HAVING THE CAR LOOKED AT AND SPENDING MONEY I DON'T HAVE, IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS DUE TO THIS RECALL. I HAVE MADE CALLS TO THE DEALER AND TO CHRYSLER. ALL I AM …
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THIS IS REGARDS TO RECALL R03 ON A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. I HAVE BEEN A A RECALL LIST FOR MANY MONTHS. MY VEHICLE TWICE NOW HAS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR NO REASON. AFTER HAVING THE CAR LOOKED AT AND SPENDING MONEY I DON'T HAVE, IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS DUE TO THIS RECALL. I HAVE MADE CALLS TO THE DEALER AND TO CHRYSLER. ALL I AM TOLD IS THESE PARTS ARE ON RESTRICTION AND THEY ARE SORRY BUT THEY CAN NOT HELP ME TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF AT THIS TIME. WHY IS CHRYSLER NOT CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF IT'S DRIVERS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING HE COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN KILLED. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THEM TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF? WHEN I AM ABLE TO AFFORD ANOTHER CAR IT WILL NOT BE A CHRYSLER PRODUCT OF ANY KIND.
NHTSA ODI #10795046
42,000 miles · Aug 16, 2015
Service BrakesSteeringWheels
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A LONG DISTANCE ROAD TRIP, WHICH I DO QUITE OFTEN, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE AS I WAS DECREASING THE SPEED FROM 65 MILES PER HOUR. I HAVE SINCE HAD MY TIRES REPLACED AND THE TPMS ON ONE OF MY WHEELS BECAME CORRODED. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. I HAD MY BACK BRAKES REPLACED, THE PROBLEM S…
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WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON A LONG DISTANCE ROAD TRIP, WHICH I DO QUITE OFTEN, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO VIBRATE AS I WAS DECREASING THE SPEED FROM 65 MILES PER HOUR. I HAVE SINCE HAD MY TIRES REPLACED AND THE TPMS ON ONE OF MY WHEELS BECAME CORRODED. THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. I HAD MY BACK BRAKES REPLACED, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. I HAD MY WHEELS ALIGNED, THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. MY MECHANIC IS CURRENTLY REPLACING THE AXLE ALONG WITH MY FRONT BRAKES. HOPEFULLY, THIS FIXES THE PROBLEM. MY DAUGHTER IS IN COLLEGE AND MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE MAKING 8 HOUR ROAD TRIPS OFTEN. I AM FINANCIALLY OBLIGATED TO THIS VEHICLE AND NEED IT TO SERVICE MY FAMILIES NEEDS. DODGE NEEDS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR VEHICLES ARE SAFE AND RELIABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10748959
64,000 miles · Aug 11, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN IT WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN IT WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #10747938
54,000 miles · Apr 1, 2015
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER BECAME STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ESC AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SHIFT LEVER BECAME STUCK IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
NHTSA ODI #10703221
83,000 miles · Mar 26, 2015
Service BrakesSteering
MY STEERING STARTED TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND THEN THE BRAKES STARTED TO GET HOT, IT SOUNDED AS IF I WAS RUNNING OVER THE BUMPS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THAT WARN DRIVERS THEY ARE ABOUT TO LEAVE THE ROAD; HOWEVER, I WAS NO WHERE CLOSE TO THEM. THEY EVENTUALLY STUCK AND BEGAN TO SMOKE. I STOPPED THE CAR AND LEFT IT IN A PARKING L…
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MY STEERING STARTED TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND THEN THE BRAKES STARTED TO GET HOT, IT SOUNDED AS IF I WAS RUNNING OVER THE BUMPS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THAT WARN DRIVERS THEY ARE ABOUT TO LEAVE THE ROAD; HOWEVER, I WAS NO WHERE CLOSE TO THEM. THEY EVENTUALLY STUCK AND BEGAN TO SMOKE. I STOPPED THE CAR AND LEFT IT IN A PARKING LOT SO THAT IT WOULD NOT BURN TO THE GROUND IF I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE ROTOR AND CALIBER WERE CHANGED AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES STICKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10701857
24,575 miles · Mar 10, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING & POWER BRAKES. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED THAT ENGINE WOULD STALL IF KEY WAS MOVED SLIGHTLY. COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. SUPERSTITION SPRINGS CHRYSLER REPLACED THE WIN MODULE AT A COST OF $492.46. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE OR BE INJURED BEFORE THE MANUFACTURER ACC…
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ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING & POWER BRAKES. DIAGNOSIS REVEALED THAT ENGINE WOULD STALL IF KEY WAS MOVED SLIGHTLY. COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. SUPERSTITION SPRINGS CHRYSLER REPLACED THE WIN MODULE AT A COST OF $492.46. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE OR BE INJURED BEFORE THE MANUFACTURER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY, INITIATES A RECALL AND TAKES CARE OF THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO THE VEHICLE OWNER?? I BELIEVE THAT CHRYSLER CORP SHOULD REIMBURSE ME FOR THE COST OF THIS REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10693298
44,787 miles · Mar 10, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering
WHILE DRIVING INTO WORK THIS MORNING MY HORN BEGAN TO GO OFF ON ITS ON AND RANDOMLY. NOTHING I DID WOULD STOP THE HORN FROM GOING OFF. I CALLED BOTH MY DEALER AND CHRYSLER DIRECTLY NEITHER SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF ANY ISSUES REGARDING THIS. SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASH ALSO CAME UP AND THEN WENT OFF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A S…
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WHILE DRIVING INTO WORK THIS MORNING MY HORN BEGAN TO GO OFF ON ITS ON AND RANDOMLY. NOTHING I DID WOULD STOP THE HORN FROM GOING OFF. I CALLED BOTH MY DEALER AND CHRYSLER DIRECTLY NEITHER SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF ANY ISSUES REGARDING THIS. SOME OF THE WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASH ALSO CAME UP AND THEN WENT OFF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM CONCERNED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10693213
58,000 miles · Feb 20, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V475000 (STEERING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10689587
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