NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
554 reports167,000 miles · Feb 4, 2015
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility/wiperWheels
R&R FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FIX, HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY TOTAL COST $214.55 CLEAN ENGINE TOTAL COST $83.46 ENGINE OIL LEAK, TRIED OIL STOP LEAK & SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING. RADIATOR/ANTIFREEZE LEAK, I'M SPENDING $150 MONTH FOR ANTIFREEZE. PUTTING IN 1-2 BOTTLES A DAY. PROBABLY WILL HAVE RADIATOR FIXED SOON. MUF…
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R&R FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING FIX, HUB & BEARING ASSEMBLY TOTAL COST $214.55 CLEAN ENGINE TOTAL COST $83.46 ENGINE OIL LEAK, TRIED OIL STOP LEAK & SEEMS TO BE WORKING FOR THE TIME BEING. RADIATOR/ANTIFREEZE LEAK, I'M SPENDING $150 MONTH FOR ANTIFREEZE. PUTTING IN 1-2 BOTTLES A DAY. PROBABLY WILL HAVE RADIATOR FIXED SOON. MUFFLER FELL OFF, CAN'T AFFORD A NEW ONE. NEEDS NEW SPARK PLUGS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS MANIFOLD GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS OIL PAN GASKET, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. NEEDS NEW WIPERS, CAN'T AFFORD THAT EITHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10681330
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2014
Tires
GENERAL TIRE ALTIMAX RT SIZE 195/70R14 BULGE ON SIDEWALL WHEN INSTALLED A BRAND NEW TIRE. AFTER INSTALLATION OBSERVED ONE OF FOUR TIRES WITH A BULGE ON SIDEWALL OF TIRE. BULGE NOT AN INDENTATION. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AND NO OBVIOUS INSTALLATION OR BEAD DAMAGE FROM THE OUTSIDE. INSTALLER SAID SMALL BULGE BUT MAY GROW. SENT P…
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GENERAL TIRE ALTIMAX RT SIZE 195/70R14 BULGE ON SIDEWALL WHEN INSTALLED A BRAND NEW TIRE. AFTER INSTALLATION OBSERVED ONE OF FOUR TIRES WITH A BULGE ON SIDEWALL OF TIRE. BULGE NOT AN INDENTATION. VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN AND NO OBVIOUS INSTALLATION OR BEAD DAMAGE FROM THE OUTSIDE. INSTALLER SAID SMALL BULGE BUT MAY GROW. SENT PICTURES TO DISCOUNTTIREDIRECT AND THEY SEEMED TO THINK INSTALLATION BEAD DAMAGE. TOOK TIRE OFF, NO DAMAGE FOUND INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OR ANY BEAD IRREGULARITIES. SEEMS LIKE A MANUFACTURER DEFECTIVE BUILD. OTHER 3 TIRES WERE FINE ON ALL SIDES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10597827
116,000 miles · Jan 2, 2013
SuspensionCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, STRUCK THE CURVE AND TRAVELED INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER THAT THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, STRUCK THE CURVE AND TRAVELED INTO TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED HER THAT THE LOWER BALL JOINTS SEPARATED FROM THE SOCKET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 09E056000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 116,000. UPDATED 02/28/13 *BF THE LOWER BALL JOINT AND AXLE WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10490741
120,000 miles · Mar 26, 2012
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES, WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNOCCUPIED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES, WHICH ORIGINATED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND REMAINED AT THE RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10453099
60,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD ACTIVATE WITHOUT COMMAND AT ANYTIME AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WOULD ACTIVATE WITHOUT COMMAND AT ANYTIME AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE FAILURE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. UPDATED 08/31/11 *BF THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE LAST TIME, THE DEALER PLACED A HORN BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD. UPDATED 12/05/11
NHTSA ODI #10414004
155,008 miles · Jun 11, 2011
Unknown Or Other
I JUST BOUGHT A 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND IT HAS MUTIPLE PROBLEMS. THE MAIN THING IS IT STALLS AND DIES WHILE YOUR DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH MORE THAN ONCE. IT HAS RECALLS AND IAM GOING TO TAKE IT TO HAVE IT FIXED. IT ALSO HAS OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE WITH THE DOOR LOCKS,THE HOOD AND THE TRUNK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405993
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipment
MY CAR HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED AND A FEW OTHER THINGS ON IT. BUT I CAN SMELL BURNING OIL FROM SOME WERE AND THE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE OIL. I ONLY DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF A FIRE. NOT ONLY THAT IT WELL MAYBE ONLY GO ABOUT 2 MILES BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN. THEN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL DOWN TO START IT AND …
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MY CAR HAD THE HEAD GASKET REPLACED AND A FEW OTHER THINGS ON IT. BUT I CAN SMELL BURNING OIL FROM SOME WERE AND THE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE OIL. I ONLY DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES BECAUSE I AM AFRAID OF A FIRE. NOT ONLY THAT IT WELL MAYBE ONLY GO ABOUT 2 MILES BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN. THEN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR IT TO COOL DOWN TO START IT AND GET IT BACK HOME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288908
193,000 miles · Jun 19, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUFFERED A MELT DOWN. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A GAS STATION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS SMOKING UNDER THE HOOD. SHE WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUFFERED A MELT DOWN. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 193,000. UPDATED 8/7/09 *CN THE PCM AND POWER SHIFTER WERE FAULTY. UPDATED 08/11/09.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10274355
100,000 miles · May 4, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR WAS NOT MOUNTED DOWN AND WAS MISSING TWO SCREWS. THE MOTOR JERKS BACK AND FORTH SO SEVERELY THAT IT SEEMS AS IF THE ENGINE WILL FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING CHAIN, FUEL PUMP, IGNITION COIL, SERPENTINE BEL…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 DODGE STRATUS. THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR WAS NOT MOUNTED DOWN AND WAS MISSING TWO SCREWS. THE MOTOR JERKS BACK AND FORTH SO SEVERELY THAT IT SEEMS AS IF THE ENGINE WILL FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE TIMING CHAIN, FUEL PUMP, IGNITION COIL, SERPENTINE BELT, AND MUFFLER ARE FAILING. NEW BRAKES AND STRUTS ARE ALSO NEEDED. THE CONTACT DID NOT DISCOVER THESE ISSUES UNTIL AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10267700
150,000 miles · Oct 13, 2008
Unknown Or Other
I'M NOT SURE WHAT LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE. I HAVE A BAD OIL LEAK I WAS TOLD IT WAS A REAR SEAL AND THAT IT SHOULDN'T GO BAD I'M CHECKING WITH YOU BECAUSE I DON'T THESE THINGS I KNOW I LOVE THAT CAR I HAVE A PAID OUT 100'S OF DOLLARS TO GET THE BRAKES FIXED NOW THIS. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR RIGHT NOW …
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I'M NOT SURE WHAT LEAD UP TO THE FAILURE. I HAVE A BAD OIL LEAK I WAS TOLD IT WAS A REAR SEAL AND THAT IT SHOULDN'T GO BAD I'M CHECKING WITH YOU BECAUSE I DON'T THESE THINGS I KNOW I LOVE THAT CAR I HAVE A PAID OUT 100'S OF DOLLARS TO GET THE BRAKES FIXED NOW THIS. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS. I CAN'T DRIVE THE CAR RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THE OIL LEAKS OUT SO BAD. I'M JUST GUESSING ON A DATE BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY INFORMATION YOU MIGHT HAVE FOR ME I'M UNSURE OF WHAT THE MILEAGE MAY HAVE BEEN WHEN THE LEAK STARTED THE CAR WAS PARKED WHEN I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDERNEATH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245260
Official recalls
7Jan 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Aug 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE CABLE CONNECTING THE CONSOLE SHIFTER MECHANISM TO THE IGNITION KEY CAN CAUSE A TRAPPED KEY CONDITION WHICH CAN RESULT IN A LOW FORCE REQUIRED TO DEPRESS THE SHIFT BUTTON. A COMBINATION OF APPLYING A MIS-ADJUSTED RELEASE BUTTON WITH A LOW FORCE ATTEMPT TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK WITH THE KEY IN THE LOCKED POSITION, CAN BREAK THE CONNECTING PIN IN THE SHIFTER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE "IGNITION-PARK" INTERLOCK SYSTEM WILL BE NONFUNCTIONAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. ANY VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT FUNCTIONAL AFTER THE INSPECTION WILL HAVE THE SHIFT MECHANISM AND CABLE REPLACED WITH A "SELF-ADJUSTING" DESIGN.
Nov 13, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.
Jun 6, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING CAN DISENGAGE FROM ITS RETENTION HOLE IF THE HOOD IS SLAMMED SHUT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS SIMULTANEOUSLY WITHOUT ENGAGING THE PRIMARY LATCH, THE HOOD WOULD NOT BE RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING WITH A LONGER END HOOK SPRING.
May 3, 1996
THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER CAN LEAK BRAKE FLUID DUE TO A DAMAGED DOUBLE LIP REAR PISTON SEAL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE CAN RESULT IN DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS OF ONE HALF OF THE SPLIT BRAKE SYSTEM. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT(S) WILL SIGNAL SYSTEM IMPAIRMENT PRIOR TO PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDR PISTON ASSEMBLY.
May 2, 1996
CORROSION OF THE ABS HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT CAN CAUSE THE SOLENOID VALVES TO STICK IN THE OPEN POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF EITHER FRONT WHEEL VALVE STICKS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SWERVE FROM A STRAIGHT STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PLATE AND SILICONE GREASE INJECTED INTO THE SOLENOID CAVITY TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.
Jan 11, 1996
IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.
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
3EA03011 · Auto Trans IGNITION-PARK Interlock
Opened Jul 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
PE02082 · Safety Belt Cinching Latch Plate
Opened Nov 6, 2002 · Closed Apr 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts
THERE ARE NO INJURIES OR FATALITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ALLEGED DEFECT.WHILE CONDUCTING THIS INVESTIGATION, ODI FOUND THAT THE SUBJECT CINCHES MEET THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, AND THAT MANY OF THE REPORTED FAILURES WERE DUE TO INCORRECT CHILD SAFETY SEAT INSTALLATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, THE REPORT RATE IS LOW (1.60/100K).THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE FAILS TO ESTABLISH THE EXISTENCE OF A DEFECT TREND AT THIS TIME.FURTHER ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES TO THIS ISSUE IS UNWARRANTED AND THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS BEING CLOSED.
EA97016 · Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Failure
Opened Sep 29, 1997 · Closed Nov 20, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
BY LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 6, 1997, THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THIS AGENCY OF ITS DECISION TO INITIATE A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES TO CORRECT THE DEFECT IDENTIFIED IN THIS EA.THE RECALL WILL ALSO COVER 1996 AND 1997 CHRYSLER CIRRUS/DODGE STRATUS VEHICLES, AS WELL AS 1995 THROUGH 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING CONVERTIBLE AND PLYMOUTH BREEZE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH IDENTICAL LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS.AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 599,00VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL.THE MANUFACTURER'S INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT PROCESS VARIABILITY, TOGETHER WITH THE BALL JOINT HOUSING COVER CRIMPING OPERATION, CAN RESULT IN AN INEFFECTIVE SEAL THAT PERMITS A LOSS OF LUBRICATION AND ACCELERTED WEAR OF THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY.THIS CONDITION CAN LEAD TO FAILURE AND SEPARTION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT.THE RECALL IS IDENTIFIED AS NHTSA 97V-201 AND A COPY OF CHRYSLER'S LETTER TO NHTSA IS ATTACHED HERETO.
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