NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Visibility/wiper complaints
16 reportsClear category filter15,800 miles · Apr 17, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper
ON OUR WAY TO THE COAST MY HEADLIGHT WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND HAD TO USE ONLY TO DAY LIGHTS AND FOG LIGHT NO HEADLIGHT WOULD COME ON THEY WOULD ONLY FLICKER. I WAS STILL A HOUR FROM THE COAST AND 3 HOURS FROM HOME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE HORN GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND IS ANNOYING SAME WITH THE WIND SHIELD WIPERS. THEY GO AT…
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ON OUR WAY TO THE COAST MY HEADLIGHT WENT OUT COMPLETELY AND HAD TO USE ONLY TO DAY LIGHTS AND FOG LIGHT NO HEADLIGHT WOULD COME ON THEY WOULD ONLY FLICKER. I WAS STILL A HOUR FROM THE COAST AND 3 HOURS FROM HOME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE HORN GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND IS ANNOYING SAME WITH THE WIND SHIELD WIPERS. THEY GO AT RANDOM AND ARE NOT NEEDED.THE HORN IS WHEN I AM STATIONARY. THE WIPERS GO AT ANYTIME MOVING OR STOPPED. THE CAR ACTS POSSESSED. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE AT NIGHT DUE TO THE HEADLIGHTS FUNCTIONALITY I HAD MY NEPHEW WITH ME WHEN I HAD THE HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING AND I WILL NOT PUT HIM IN DANGER AGAIN. THIS NEEDS FIXED.
NHTSA ODI #11408551
120,000 miles · Dec 20, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineVisibility/wiper
FIRST MAJOR PROBLEM IS CAR STARTS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT, HAD TO REPLACE STARTER ($520) IN THE FIRST WEEK THAT I OWNED THE VEHICLE AFTER GETTING A JUMP SEVERAL TIMES I PURCHASED I JUMP KIT ($125)IN CASE IT WOULDNT START AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND THEN THE JUMP KIT WOULDNT EVEN WORK. SO I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED ($130) …
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FIRST MAJOR PROBLEM IS CAR STARTS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT, HAD TO REPLACE STARTER ($520) IN THE FIRST WEEK THAT I OWNED THE VEHICLE AFTER GETTING A JUMP SEVERAL TIMES I PURCHASED I JUMP KIT ($125)IN CASE IT WOULDNT START AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND THEN THE JUMP KIT WOULDNT EVEN WORK. SO I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED ($130) AND THE STARTER REPLACED. IF I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND TRY TO START IT AGAIN 10 MINS LATER IT WONT START BUT IF YOU WAIT ABOUT AN HOUR, IT WILL START. THIS STILL HAPPENS AFTER HAVING THE STARTER REPLACED SO I HAVE TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING OR RISK BEING STRANDED FOR AN HOUR OR SO. SECOND PROBLEM, ABOUT A MONTH AFTER BUYING THE VEHICLE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS USING THE CRUISE CONTROL, WAS GOING DOWN A HILL AND THE RPMS WENT ALL THE WAY UP INTO THE RED AND HIGH AS IT COULD THEN WENT DOWN TO ZERO AND THE ENGINE COMPLETLY STALLED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. SINCE THEN I HAVEN'T USED THE CRUISE CONTROL. THIRDLY, THE PASSANGER SIDE HAS ZERO HEAT. THE DEFROSTER, THE HEAT VENTS ON THE DASH AND THE HEAT VENTS AT THE FEET ALL BLOW OUT COLD AIR. FOURTH PROBLEM, THE HORN WOULD HONK RANDOMLY, WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED. 5TH PROBLEM THE KEY FOB DOES WHAT IT WANTS WHEN IT WANTS. CAME OUT OF THE MALL AND MY ALARM WAS GOING OFF (JUST THE LIGHTS I HAD TO REMOVE THE HORN FUSES BECAUSE OF THE HONKING ISSUE) AND COULD NOT TURN THE ALARM OFF OR UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE FOB, HAD TO USE THE ACTUAL KEY FROM INSIDE THE FOB TO GET IN THE CAR AND THEN START IT, SHUT IF OFF THEN I WAS ABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ALARM. 6TH PROBLEM THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY UNLOCK WHEN I'M NOT EVEN HOLDING THE KEY FOB AND THE FRONT WINDOWS WILL ROLL DOWN HALF WAY. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT ISSUES SINCE I BOUGHT IT DODGE NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE THERE ARE SO MANY SAFETY ISSUES! BOUGHT THIS CAR BECAUSE I WANTED A SAFE VEHICLE FOR MY FAMILY AND THIS CAR HAD BEEN ANYTHING BUT!
NHTSA ODI #11290397
97,000 miles · Jan 5, 2019
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
PASSENGER SIDE HEAT DOES NOT WORK. ONLY BLOWS OUT COLD AIR IN ALL VENTS, DEFROST, FRONT AND FEET. CAUSES WINDOWS TO FOG UP AND BAD VISIBILITY AND ALSO DOES NOT KEEP YOU WARM. ALSO AT TIMES IT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO CHANGE THE HEAT CONTROLS SUCH AS FROM DEFROST TO FRONT OR FEET. HAPPENS NO MATTER IF CAR IS PARKED OR DRIVING. THE C…
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PASSENGER SIDE HEAT DOES NOT WORK. ONLY BLOWS OUT COLD AIR IN ALL VENTS, DEFROST, FRONT AND FEET. CAUSES WINDOWS TO FOG UP AND BAD VISIBILITY AND ALSO DOES NOT KEEP YOU WARM. ALSO AT TIMES IT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO CHANGE THE HEAT CONTROLS SUCH AS FROM DEFROST TO FRONT OR FEET. HAPPENS NO MATTER IF CAR IS PARKED OR DRIVING. THE COLDER OUT IS IS THE WORSE THE PROBLEM. HUGE SAFETY ISSUE LIVING IN MINNESOTA. ALSO SERCHED GOOGLE AND THERE WERE 100'S OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS IN DODGE JOURNEYS ALL DIFFERENT YEARS.
NHTSA ODI #11165426
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineVisibility/wiper
THE KEY FOB WAS THE FIRST THING I NOTICED,IT WOULDN'T LOCK/UNLOCK THE CAR, HANGED THE BATTERY,NOTHING CHANGED. MONTHS LATER I CANNOT LOCK/UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB OR ON THE DOOR PANEL.THE CAR STAYS UNLOCKED ALL THE TIME (NOT GOOD) ALSO THE BACK WIPER NO LONGER WORKS..NOW, THE HORN...THE HORN DOES NOT STOP HONKING!!! DOESN'T MATTE…
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THE KEY FOB WAS THE FIRST THING I NOTICED,IT WOULDN'T LOCK/UNLOCK THE CAR, HANGED THE BATTERY,NOTHING CHANGED. MONTHS LATER I CANNOT LOCK/UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB OR ON THE DOOR PANEL.THE CAR STAYS UNLOCKED ALL THE TIME (NOT GOOD) ALSO THE BACK WIPER NO LONGER WORKS..NOW, THE HORN...THE HORN DOES NOT STOP HONKING!!! DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE DRIVING OR THE CAR IS OFF AN PARKED..... ALSO UNSAFE. I HAD TO DISCONNECT IT AND BEEN WITHOUT FOR OVER A YR. I'VE CONTACTED DODGE..SEEMS TO BE THE SAME STORY I SEE ONLINE,THEY ARE SURPRISED AND NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE HAVING AN ISSUE🤔🤔 SEEMS FISHY. AND LET'S NOT FORGET THE ENGINE,IT SOMETIMES STARTS ..SOMETIMES I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO KICK IN. I USED TO NOT EVEN BE ABLE TO TURN IT ON AT ALL AND HAVE TO SHIFT IT IN DIFF. GEARS TO GET IT TO GO. I AM HOPING SOMEONE CAN HELP.IM FED UP WITH DODGE.
NHTSA ODI #11083528
107,300 miles · Nov 28, 2017
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper
FRONT WIPERS WON'T TURN OFF AND NO TURN SIGNALS HEAD LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF AND HIGH BEAMS DON'T WORK . ALARM GOES OFF RANDOMLY AND HORN GOES OFF RANDOMLY
NHTSA ODI #11051070
72,000 miles · Mar 11, 2017
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper
CAR "FROZE"WHILE DRIVING. ALARM STARTED GOING OFF. WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WASHER FLUID AND ALARM KEPT GOING THOUGH I PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF CARD. SUDDENLY IT STOPPED. TURNED CAR BACK ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON THEN TURNED OFF. NOW DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK, BACK HATCH WON'T OPEN. WASHER FLUID IS LOW. KEY FOB DOES NOT WORK.
NHTSA ODI #10960145
100,000 miles · Jan 2, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Visibility/wiper
I WAS OUT OF TOWN PARKED AT A STORE WOULD NOT START. AS I WAS WAITING ON SOMEONE TO COME HELP ME THEN 30 MINS OR SO LATER MY CAR STARTED UP. MY BOYS AND I CUT OUR VACATION SHORT BECAUSE ITS VERY UNSAFE HAVING YOUR CAR NOT START IN A PLACE YOU KNOW NO ONE. WE'VE CHANGED THE BATTERY. THE NEXT MONTH I WAS GETTING GAS AND IT WOULDN'…
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I WAS OUT OF TOWN PARKED AT A STORE WOULD NOT START. AS I WAS WAITING ON SOMEONE TO COME HELP ME THEN 30 MINS OR SO LATER MY CAR STARTED UP. MY BOYS AND I CUT OUR VACATION SHORT BECAUSE ITS VERY UNSAFE HAVING YOUR CAR NOT START IN A PLACE YOU KNOW NO ONE. WE'VE CHANGED THE BATTERY. THE NEXT MONTH I WAS GETTING GAS AND IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I HAD A PERSON JUMP ME AND TOOK IT TO GET CHECKED OUT AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. SO A MONTH AND A HALF THE CAR DID IT AGAIN I WAS AT THE MALL AND IT WOULDN'T START. THIS IS A HORRIBLE FEELING NOT KNOWING WHEN OR IF YOUR CAR IS GOING TO START OR NOT. WE CAN'T DRIVE OUT OF TOWN IN IT BECAUSE THE UNCERTAINTY IF IT'S GOING TO START OR NOT. WHICH IT IS UNFAIR TO MY BOYS WHEN WE AT LEAST DO SOMETHING ON SUMMER BREAK OR FALL BREAK OR EVEN WINTER BREAK AND WE CAN'T EVEN GO OUTSIDE OF OUR CITY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10939127
85,000 miles · Dec 5, 2016
EngineVisibility/wiper
NO HEAT FROM PASSENGER SIDE VENTS ON ANY SETTING, WHETHER DRIVING OR STATIONARY. AS A RESULT, DEFROST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT MEET FMVSS 103. FLUSHED HEATER CORE AND A LOT OF DEBRIS CAME OUT AND HEAT WORKED ON BOTH SIDES. NUMEROUS SIMILAR CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED ONLINE. ATTACHED IMAGE IS OF SEDIMENT THAT CAME OUT DURING FLUSH. *T…
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NO HEAT FROM PASSENGER SIDE VENTS ON ANY SETTING, WHETHER DRIVING OR STATIONARY. AS A RESULT, DEFROST PERFORMANCE DOES NOT MEET FMVSS 103. FLUSHED HEATER CORE AND A LOT OF DEBRIS CAME OUT AND HEAT WORKED ON BOTH SIDES. NUMEROUS SIMILAR CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED ONLINE. ATTACHED IMAGE IS OF SEDIMENT THAT CAME OUT DURING FLUSH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10929913
59,000 miles · Nov 22, 2016
Electrical SystemVisibility/wiper
INTERMITTENT NON-FUNCTION OF POWER WINDOWS, INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS CANNOT BE ACTIVATED OR CONTROLLED WITH STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS, REAR WIPER WASHER MOTOR ACTIVATES WHEN REAR WIPER IS TURNED ON, BUT TURNS OFF WHEN THE CONTROLS ARE ADVANCED TO THE SPRAY FUNCTION. KEYLESS UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY NON-FUNCTIONAL. TOOK V…
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INTERMITTENT NON-FUNCTION OF POWER WINDOWS, INTERIOR DOME LIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS CANNOT BE ACTIVATED OR CONTROLLED WITH STEERING COLUMN CONTROLS, REAR WIPER WASHER MOTOR ACTIVATES WHEN REAR WIPER IS TURNED ON, BUT TURNS OFF WHEN THE CONTROLS ARE ADVANCED TO THE SPRAY FUNCTION. KEYLESS UNLOCK INTERMITTENTLY NON-FUNCTIONAL. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE (TIMP). UNFORTUNATELY THE JOURNEY WAS OMITTED FROM THE TIMP RECALL CAMPAIGN LEAVING THE CUSTOMER ON THE HOOK FOR THE REPAIRS. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE RECALL LIST AS IT POSES A SAFETY RISK OF LACK OF WIPERS AND OTHER POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUES WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #10927486
78,354 miles · May 31, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Visibility/wiper
I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 29 GOING TO COLUMBIA MD IN A HEAVY RAINSTORM AND MY ELECTRIC SYSTEM IN MY TRUCK SHUT OFF, I COULD SEE BECAUSE THE EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED POWER JUST STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BUT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD SHUT OFF AND I HAD A CAR FULL OF KIDS. THIS SCARED US S…
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I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 29 GOING TO COLUMBIA MD IN A HEAVY RAINSTORM AND MY ELECTRIC SYSTEM IN MY TRUCK SHUT OFF, I COULD SEE BECAUSE THE EVERYTHING THAT NEEDED POWER JUST STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING BUT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD SHUT OFF AND I HAD A CAR FULL OF KIDS. THIS SCARED US SO BAD , LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO EASE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE I TURNED THAT CAR OFF AND BACK ON TO CHECK IF THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM WOULD COME ON. IT DID BUT AS WE GOT OFF THE EXIT IT CUT OFF AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #10871645
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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