NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
36 reportsClear category filter120,000 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
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2005
Electrical System
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 04V021000 CONCERNING FLOOR SHIFT IGNITION PARK INTERLOCK. AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED THE PROBLEM RECURRED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10115259
92,880 miles · May 3, 2004
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
MY MECHANIC STATED THAT MY ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL FROM PRETTY MUCH EVERYWERE, I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 4 - 5 DAYS. I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, MY ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER DO NOT FUNCTION AND DISPLAY. MY RADIO DOES NOT WORK, AND NOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS AREN'T FUNCTIONING. I CHECKED AND ALL OF MY FUSES ARE FINE. I CAN'T AFFO…
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MY MECHANIC STATED THAT MY ENGINE IS LEAKING OIL FROM PRETTY MUCH EVERYWERE, I HAVE TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 4 - 5 DAYS. I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS, MY ODOMETER AND TACHOMETER DO NOT FUNCTION AND DISPLAY. MY RADIO DOES NOT WORK, AND NOW MY BRAKE LIGHTS AREN'T FUNCTIONING. I CHECKED AND ALL OF MY FUSES ARE FINE. I CAN'T AFFORD THE ENGINE REPAIRS FOR THE OIL. I HAVE TO GET THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FIXED. CHRYSLER SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THESE PROBLEMS.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10068189
80,000 miles · Apr 23, 2004
Electrical System
INTERMITTENTLY WHEN VEHICLE STARTED ODOMETER AND THE RPM READER DID NOT WORK. CONSUMER DETERMINED THAT THE SOLDERED CONNECTIONS BEHIND THE MECHANISMS NEEDED TO BE REDONE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10071414
Mileage unknown · Dec 29, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN…
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2ND REQUEST FAX FWD EMAIL FM BEHALF OF [XXX] (TX) RE NUMEROUS DEFECTS ON A 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN#[XXX]). *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. THERE WAS STEERING OSCILLATION WHEN DRIVEN ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE WHEN THERE WAS AN IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATING IN TRAFFIC AND OR THE A/C WOULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION/DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONED, INSIDE LIGHTS WORKED IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC LATE HARSH TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENT RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR AND DEFOGGER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STRUTS. *JB INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10052043
Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
LTR FM JOVAN MATHEWS (TX) RE PROBLEMS WITH HIS 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND ASKING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO INITIATE A RECALL. *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRIC CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET, AND POOR DRIVE ABILITY. THE CONSUMER HAD REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP…
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LTR FM JOVAN MATHEWS (TX) RE PROBLEMS WITH HIS 1996 DODGE STRATUS AND ASKING DAIMLER CHRYSLER TO INITIATE A RECALL. *MR THE A/C LEAKED, ELECTRIC CIRCUITS MALFUNCTIONED, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET, AND POOR DRIVE ABILITY. THE CONSUMER HAD REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BRAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, A/C COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN NEED OF AN EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, AND A HEAD GASKET. THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATED,WARM UP SAG, HESITATION, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR MALFUNCTION, INSIDE LIGHTS HAD BECOME INOPERATIVE, LATE/HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS, FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM THE FRONT BETWEEN 50 AND 70 MPH, MUSTY ODOR, AND THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO CLEAR THE GLASS. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10040045
11,565 miles · Aug 27, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
THREE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *MR THE CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN WITHOUT THE VEHICLE EVERY OTHER MONTH. THE VEHICLE HAD A PERPETUAL OIL LEAK AND SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SHE HAD TO SEEK HELP FROM AN INDEPENDENT ME…
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THREE HEAD GASKET WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. *MR THE CONSUMER HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AFTER ONE YEAR OF PURCHASE. THE CONSUMER HAD BEEN WITHOUT THE VEHICLE EVERY OTHER MONTH. THE VEHICLE HAD A PERPETUAL OIL LEAK AND SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, SHE HAD TO SEEK HELP FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE HAD SO MUCH OIL LEAKING OUT, THE CONSUMER PLACED OIL IN THE VEHICLE INSTEAD OF GAS. CHRYSLER WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE HAD STARTED TO LEAK TRANSMISSION FLUID, ALSO THE FRONT SEAL BEGAN TO LEAK AS WELL, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THEN THE VEHICLE STARTED MISSING OUT, SPUTTERED, AND THE STARTER WAS INTERMITTENT DUE TO A SHORT. THE CONSUMER HAD REQUESTED A REFUND OF REPAIRS. OTHER REPAIRS WERE AS FOLLOWED: THE AIR COMPRESSOR ON THE AIR CONDITIONER, STARTER, REPLACEMENT OF THE HEAD GASKET THREE TIMES, ONCE AT 11565K MILES AND SECOND AT 20495K MILES AND AGAIN AT 69000K MILES. *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10037844
Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment
MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I AM A TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD FATHER OF THREE WHO IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TODAY BECAUSE I AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN# [XXX]). THE TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING CONSISTS OF AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS THAT MALFUNCTION, T…
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MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I AM A TWENTY-FOUR YEAR OLD FATHER OF THREE WHO IS CURRENTLY RECEIVING SOCIAL SECURITY. I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TODAY BECAUSE I AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH MY 1996 DODGE STRATUS (VIN# [XXX]). THE TYPES OF PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING CONSISTS OF AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS, ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS THAT MALFUNCTION, TRANSMISSION TROUBLES, PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR, HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS, AND POOR DRIVEABILITY. CHRYSLER MOTOR CORPORATION PRIDES ITSELF AS REPRESENTING VALUE, QUALITY, DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY, BUT I CANT SEEM TO SEE THAT AS A TRUE STATEMENT WITH ALL OF MY CURRENT PROBLEMS. I COULD NOT BELIEVE ALL THE PROBLEMS THAT I AM HAVING WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ONE GIVEN TIME SO I DECIDED TO RESEARCH MY DIFFICULTIES ON THE INTERNET AND I FOUND THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. I FEEL THAT DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR MY REPAIRS DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES CAUSED BY SHODDY PARTS AND QUALITY. SO FAR I HAVE REPLACED THE TIMING BELT, HYDRAULIC TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, ALTERNATOR BELT, ROTORS, BAKE SHOES, REAR WHEEL CYLINDERS, PCV VALVE, DRYER, AC COMPRESSOR, TIRES, ALL FILTERS, AND FLUIDS. I AM IN DYER NEED OF A EXHAUST MANIFOLD, WINDSHIELD, STRUTS, SHOCKS, STEERING WHEEL, HEAD GASKET. ALSO, I AM EXPERIENCING STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATION/VIBRATION ABOVE 50 MPH, ROUGH RIDE ON ROAD WITH IRREGULAR SURFACE & BOTTOMING OUT ON POTHOLE, ERRATIC IDLE, PERFORMANCE LOSS, OVERHEATS IN TRAFFIC &/OR A/C BECOMES INOPERATIVE, WARM-UP SAG, HESITATION & DRIVEWAY DIE OUT, REAR GRID DEFOGGER INDICATOR LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS, INSIDE LIGHTS WORK IMPROPERLY, ERRATIC, LATE OR HARSH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTS , FREQUENCY RUMBLE OR GEAR NOISE FROM FRONT BETWEEN 50 & 70 MPH , MUSTY ODOR AND DEFROSTER FAILS TO CLEAR GLASS. AS IT APPEARS I NEED A LOT OF WORK AND BEING LOW INCOME I NEED HELP.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10033411
Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2002
Electrical SystemFire
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING, THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8011677
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.