← New search

2008 Dodge Nitro

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Nitro years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Dodge Nitro are substantially higher than the model-year median of 78.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

319 reports with mileage · 74 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 198 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 66 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports12 fire reports15 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

198 reports
Clear category filter
20 miles · Dec 31, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

REPLACES A NEW AGR VALVE IN JANUARY 2015 AT LOCAL GARAGE, PHILIPS GARAGE IN DEWART, PA. IN OCTOBER THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND ONCE AGAIN DIAGNOSED BY BZ.MOTORS IN LEWISBURG, PA THE TEST ARE CONFIRMED THAT THE AGR VALVE IS NOT GOOD. I CANNOT GO BACK TO OTHER MECHANIC , BECAUSE HE HAD A STROKE AND CANNOT WORK AGAIN. I AM SCHEDULE…

Read full complaint

REPLACES A NEW AGR VALVE IN JANUARY 2015 AT LOCAL GARAGE, PHILIPS GARAGE IN DEWART, PA. IN OCTOBER THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND ONCE AGAIN DIAGNOSED BY BZ.MOTORS IN LEWISBURG, PA THE TEST ARE CONFIRMED THAT THE AGR VALVE IS NOT GOOD. I CANNOT GO BACK TO OTHER MECHANIC , BECAUSE HE HAD A STROKE AND CANNOT WORK AGAIN. I AM SCHEDULED AGAIN FOR REPLACEMENT ON SATURDAY THE 6TH OF FEBRUARY 2016. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE ARE RECALLS ON THE PART OR IF THE COMPANY CAN HELP M PAY FOR THE PART TO BE REPLACED AGAIN COST $324.00. GAS CAP REPLACE AND RUBBER HOUSING REPLACED ON GAS FILLER CAP, COST WAS $ 61.22 HOUSING REPLACED IN WITH NEW SECURE BRACKET AFTER FALLING DOWN INTO THE VEHICLE. THE LINE WAS SECURED AGAIN .COSTING ME $81.62. CAPE REPLACED FOR $21.00. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THESE DEFAULTS AS THEY TOO ARE RECALLS. I ALSO HAD SEEN ONLINE THAT THE SHIELD FOR EXHAUST AND ITS PARTS HAD A RECALL. SINCE MINE WAS REPLACED AFTER FALLING OFF IN MARCH 2015 WHILE I WAS DRIVING. NEW PART ATTACHED BACK ON AND NUT-STAMPED FLANGE AND SHIELD EXHAUST. COSTING ME $147.45 IN LABOR AND REPAIRS. PLEASE CALL ME AT [XXX] THANK YOU , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10817161

84,000 miles · Dec 15, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED PREVENTING THE DOORS FROM UNLOCKING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DOORS WOULD UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NO…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED PREVENTING THE DOORS FROM UNLOCKING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DOORS WOULD UNLOCK INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.

NHTSA ODI #10810572

95,000 miles · Dec 1, 2015
Electrical System

I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2012. IN 2013 MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN GOES HAYWIRE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS GOING OFF, FLUID GOING OFF, DOOR LOCKS,AND HORN, [XXX] NEAR HAD A WRECK BECAUSE IT HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE AND CAR WAS IN MOTION. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE ALARM. IN JULY 2014 BATTERY DIED AND REPLACED THE BATTERY AGAIN. …

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2012. IN 2013 MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN GOES HAYWIRE. WINDSHIELD WIPERS GOING OFF, FLUID GOING OFF, DOOR LOCKS,AND HORN, [XXX] NEAR HAD A WRECK BECAUSE IT HAPPENED OUT OF NOWHERE AND CAR WAS IN MOTION. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE ALARM. IN JULY 2014 BATTERY DIED AND REPLACED THE BATTERY AGAIN. THEN MAY 2015 THE CAR GOES HAYWIRE AGAIN. WIPERS GOING OFF, HORN BLARING, DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONING. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND THE BATTERY STARTS SMOKING. REPLACE THE BATTERY AND IT CONTINUED TO MALFUNCTION. THIS TIME WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY WAS OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING. I HAD TO UNHOOK THE ALTERNATOR FOR IT TO TURN OFF. THEN I WAS PARKED AND TRIED TO USE THE KEY AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START.AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO START THE CAR I DECIDED NOT TO TRY ANYMORE, PUSHED MY KEY LOCK DOOR AND THE CAR STARTED. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEAL AND AFTER 4YRS THEY CONCLUDED IT WAS THE TOTAL INTEGRATED POWER MODULE. THIS HAS CAUSED MY HEATER, BRAKE LIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, AND KEY FOB/ALARM TO MALFUNCTION. THIS ISSUE COULD HAVE CAUSE AN SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND THANK HEAVENS IT DID NOT. I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND NOTICE THAT THESE PARTS WERE RECALLED AND REPLACE IN PREVIOUS AND LATTER MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE BUT NOT 2008. IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM AND SOMEONE COULD HAVE BEEN HURT ESPECIALLY IF ITS DEALING WITH ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. IS THAT WHAT IT TAKES FOR THEM TO CORRECT IT. DODGE/CHRYSLER SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT THAT THEY KNOW ABOUT. THANK YOU *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10807789

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2015
Electrical System

CURRENTLY DRIVING A 2008 NITRO. THE PROBLEM STARTED SMALL, THE KEYLESS ENTRY WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR &/OR IT WOULD MAKE THE LOCKS GO A LITTLE CRAZY. SHORTLY AFTER THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE WOULD SET OFF THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WIPER FLUID, FLICKERING HEAD AND REAR LIGHTS, AND THE LOCKS WOULD GO CRAZY AS WELL. THIS OCCURED W…

Read full complaint

CURRENTLY DRIVING A 2008 NITRO. THE PROBLEM STARTED SMALL, THE KEYLESS ENTRY WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOOR &/OR IT WOULD MAKE THE LOCKS GO A LITTLE CRAZY. SHORTLY AFTER THE KEYLESS ENTRY REMOTE WOULD SET OFF THE HORN, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WIPER FLUID, FLICKERING HEAD AND REAR LIGHTS, AND THE LOCKS WOULD GO CRAZY AS WELL. THIS OCCURED WHILE DRIVING AS WELL, NOT VERY SAFE. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE TIPM (TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE) NEEDED REPLACING, IT WAS NOT A CHEAP FIX EITHER. OF COURSE THE YEAR IM DRIVING (AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS) WAS NOT RECALLED LIKE THE 2010-2012 MODELS. CRYSTLER IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR PUTTING FAULTY PARTS IN THEIR VEHICLES. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER OR RECOMMEND A CHRYSTLER VECHICLE TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN MY WORST ENEMY. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RE-INVESTEGATED AND FIXED!!

NHTSA ODI #10795241

60,000 miles · Nov 14, 2015
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

MY DOOR LOCKS WERE NOT LOCKING VIA CAR DOOR LOCK BUTTONS AND KEY REMOTE.ONLY COULD UNLOCK VIA KEY REMOTE AND DOOR BUTTON. AND HAD TO MANUALLY LOCK DOORS. REPLACED M38 FUSE THAT WAS BLOWN. STILL DIDN'T WORK RESEARCHED ONLINE AND REMOVED NEG. CABLE FROM BATTERY FOR 10-15 MINS. ALSO REMOVE IOD FUSE, NOTHING NOW MY CAR WILL NOT…

Read full complaint

MY DOOR LOCKS WERE NOT LOCKING VIA CAR DOOR LOCK BUTTONS AND KEY REMOTE.ONLY COULD UNLOCK VIA KEY REMOTE AND DOOR BUTTON. AND HAD TO MANUALLY LOCK DOORS. REPLACED M38 FUSE THAT WAS BLOWN. STILL DIDN'T WORK RESEARCHED ONLINE AND REMOVED NEG. CABLE FROM BATTERY FOR 10-15 MINS. ALSO REMOVE IOD FUSE, NOTHING NOW MY CAR WILL NOT DO ANYTHING!!! ONLY THING WORKING IS THE MIRROR BUTTONS AND DOME LIGHTS BUTTON. NOTHING!!!! WTH!!! RESEARCHED ONLINE AND ALOT OF PEOPLE WITH SAME PROBLEM. SEEMS IT MAY BE THE TIPM !! CHRYSLER NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS PROBLEM AND FIX/RECALL THE 2008 DODGE NITRO TOO!! NOW HAVE TO HAVEVEHICLE TOWEDTO DEALERSHIP TO GET IT FIXED. ANDTHE $1400 EXTENDED WARRENTY I PURCHASED JUST EXPIRED IN JAN.!!!! ALSO THE FAN/BLOWER FORTHEHEAT WASNOT WORKING AT ALL. THISMAY BE THE RESISTOR BUT CAN'T LOOK INTO THISBECAUSE CAR SONT START OR DO ANYTHING!!!!!

NHTSA ODI #10790398

55,000 miles · Nov 14, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

BRAKE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY PREVIOUSLY HAD TO REPLACED BY CORRECT BULBS NOTED IN MANUAL. NOW BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING BUT TOP BRAKE LIGHT DOES.

NHTSA ODI #10790351

50,000 miles · Oct 30, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine

RANDOMLY THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING! ALMOST DIED!!! ALSO HORN WILL HONK CONTINUOUSLY AND WIPES TURN ON RANDOMLY. CAR SEEMS POSESSED. SCARY AND UNSAFE, 50,000 MILES ON IT. ISSUE HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES. IF I HIT THE TIPM WITH MY HAND THE CAR RETURNS TO NORMAL UNTIL THE NEXT EPISODE.

NHTSA ODI #10787383

101,163 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID LEAKED, THE HORN SOUNDED, AND THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT BEING ENGAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND AFTER THE FAILURE. T…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 DODGE NITRO. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID LEAKED, THE HORN SOUNDED, AND THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT BEING ENGAGED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,163.

NHTSA ODI #10786468

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

2008 DODGE NITRO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MECHANICAL REPAIR PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AC AND WENT OUT, ALONG WITH THE LOW AND HIGH SWITCH MELTING SOME OF THE UNDER PANEL WHERE THE SWITCH WAS MOUNTED. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM OUT THE DASH WHILE DRIVING. THE HORN WAS BLARED OUT OF …

Read full complaint

2008 DODGE NITRO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MECHANICAL REPAIR PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE AC AND WENT OUT, ALONG WITH THE LOW AND HIGH SWITCH MELTING SOME OF THE UNDER PANEL WHERE THE SWITCH WAS MOUNTED. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM OUT THE DASH WHILE DRIVING. THE HORN WAS BLARED OUT OF CONTROL, DRAINING THE BATTERY, THE RADIO WOULD NOT COME ON, THE DOORS LOCKED AND UNLOCKED UNCONTROLLABLY, THE WHEEL AND HUB FAILED ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED, THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES, IN ONE YEAR. WHEN THE CONSUMER CLICKED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE KEY PAD, THE DOOR LOCKS WENT HAYWIRE, IT WOULD LOCK AND THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED. THE TIPM WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, A WEEK LATER, THE PROBLEMS RETURNED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS STAYING ON, THE HORN BLARING OUT OF CONTROL AND THE DOORS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE HEAD LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS WERE REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10805785

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Visibility/wiper

THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND THE LIGHTS BLINK ON AND OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AROUND A CURVE ON A RAINY NIGHT. ALSO THE CAR WOULDN'T EXCELLERATE. WHEN I PULLED OVER I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A TRUCK. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM COMES ON BY ITSELF AND IT'S MAKES ME AFRAID IT WILL CATCH ON FIRE. YOU CAN HEAR THE MOTOR AND A LOUD CLICKING.

NHTSA ODI #10786047

Official recalls

3

20V396000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Jul 7, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Consequence: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

Steering: Steering Wheel/handle Bar

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.

Consequence: Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.

13V121000 · Air Bags; Power Train:driveline:driveshaft; Structure

Apr 3, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Structure

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

Consequence: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

Air Bags

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

Consequence: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Dodge Nitro 4X2 vehicles manufactured March 21, 2006, through March 1, 2008; and 2008 Jeep Liberty 4X2 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2007, through March 1, 2008. The transfer case heat shield may drop down and rub on the drive shaft, weakening it and potentially causing the drive shaft to break.

Consequence: If the drive shaft breaks, a section of it can strike the transfer case tunnel with enough force that the airbag computer will believe the vehicle is in a crash and thus deploy the airbags. Additionally, the drive shaft failure will result in a loss of motive power. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a bracket to support the rear of the heat shield, free of charge. An interim letter was mailed to owners on May 29, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N10.

08V525000 · Parking Brake

Oct 8, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 3,663 MY 2007-2008 DODGE NITRO AND MY 2008 JEEP LIBERTY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. THE PARK BRAKE LEVER CLUTCH DRUM MAY DISTORT AND REDUCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARK BRAKE SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO MOVE INADVERTENTLY AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARK BRAKE LEVER ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 27, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

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