NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
385 reportsMileage unknown · Feb 22, 2019
Unknown Or Other
SKY SLIDER BLOWS UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, IT IS VERY NOISY, AND WHEN TAKEN TO JEEP DEALERSHIP, THEY SAY THE PARTS NECESSARY TO FIX IT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO AN AUTO GLASS SHOT AND HAVE IT GLUED SHUT. I FEEL LIKE I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HAVE IT GLUED SHUT, THERE GOES THE WHOLE VALUE OF THIS VEHICLE. TH…
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SKY SLIDER BLOWS UP WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, IT IS VERY NOISY, AND WHEN TAKEN TO JEEP DEALERSHIP, THEY SAY THE PARTS NECESSARY TO FIX IT ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE. WAS TOLD TO TAKE IT TO AN AUTO GLASS SHOT AND HAVE IT GLUED SHUT. I FEEL LIKE I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HAVE IT GLUED SHUT, THERE GOES THE WHOLE VALUE OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS DEFINITELY VERY DANGEROUS AND RATHER INCONVENIENT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
NHTSA ODI #11182058
Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2019
Engine
HEAT DOES NOT WORK. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHO REPORTS THE JEEP NEEDS HEATER CORE, RADIATOR AND POSSIBLE DISTRIBUTION HOUSING.
NHTSA ODI #11172300
43,000 miles · Jan 22, 2019
Power Train
IN DEC 2018, MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT, IT DID NOT MOVE ONCE I PUT IT IN REVERSE. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GROUND. I HAD MY JEEP TOWED AND MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PAN WAS RUSTED OUT AND SENT ME A PICTURE. HAD MY TRA…
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IN DEC 2018, MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AND WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT, IT DID NOT MOVE ONCE I PUT IT IN REVERSE. I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND THERE WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID ON THE GROUND. I HAD MY JEEP TOWED AND MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION PAN WAS RUSTED OUT AND SENT ME A PICTURE. HAD MY TRANSMISSION PAN REPLACED AND MY JEEP ON HAD A LITTLE OVER 43,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11171310
86,000 miles · Jan 21, 2019
Electrical SystemFire
MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO MY 2012 JEEP LIBERTY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DOOR STARTED TO SMOKE ONCE I STARTED THE IGNITION. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND THEN I NOTICE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SEAL. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I NOTICE THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO WORSEN EVEN THOUGH I TU…
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MY DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR TO MY 2012 JEEP LIBERTY CAUGHT FIRE. THE DOOR STARTED TO SMOKE ONCE I STARTED THE IGNITION. I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND THEN I NOTICE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW SEAL. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. I NOTICE THE SMOKE CONTINUED TO WORSEN EVEN THOUGH I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. THE SMOKE BECAME SMALL FLAME QUICKLY. I CRAWLED TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR TO EXIT. I CALLED 911 THE FIRE DEPT WAS DISPATCHED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. ONCE THEY GOT THERE THEY REMOVED THE BATTERY CABLES FROM THE BATTERY UNDER THE HOOD SPRAYED THE WHOLE ENTIRE JEEP INSIDE AND OUT. ITS WAS SCARY TO KNOW SOMETHING I WORK SO HARD TO HAVE AND PAY FOR CAUGHT ON FIRE LIKE THAT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT I WAS DRIVING AROUND IN SOMETHING THAT WAS A FIRE HAZARD AND UNSAFE. THANK GOD I SURVIVED THROUGH SOMETHING SO DANGEROUS. ALL OF THIS TOOK PLACE ON A CITY STREET. I WASN'T ABLE TO RECOVER MUCH OF MY BELONGINGS BECAUSE OF ALL THE WATER THAT WAS USED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO PUT THE FIRE OUT.
NHTSA ODI #11171273
46,300 miles · Jan 21, 2019
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE STREET WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I PARKED IT ON A SIDE STREET AND HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THAT THE 3 & 5 CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING. CODE P0303 & P0305 HAD TO HAVE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED ALONG WITH BO…
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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE STREET WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STARTED TO RUN ROUGH AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I PARKED IT ON A SIDE STREET AND HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC. I WAS TOLD THAT THE 3 & 5 CYLINDER WAS MISFIRING. CODE P0303 & P0305 HAD TO HAVE SPARK PLUGS REPLACED ALONG WITH BOOTS & WIRES. MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 46,000 MILES.
NHTSA ODI #11171191
104,000 miles · Jan 17, 2019
Electrical System
THE RADIO KEEPS SKIPPING WHILE PLAYING THE RADIO, CDS AND DURING BLUETOOTH.
NHTSA ODI #11170668
45,000 miles · Jan 14, 2019
Seats
JEEP LIBERTY FRONT LEFT DRIVERS POWER SEAT ADJUSTER SHIELD HAS BROKEN FOR THE SECOND TIME. HAD IT REPLACED ONCE WHEN CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, NOW BROKEN SECOND TIME. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN FLAW, ITS AGGRAVATING, UNCOMFORTABLE, AND IS A PAIN TO REPLACE. SUPPOSEDLY IT COSTS $75 UP, NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR CHARGES. CHRYS…
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JEEP LIBERTY FRONT LEFT DRIVERS POWER SEAT ADJUSTER SHIELD HAS BROKEN FOR THE SECOND TIME. HAD IT REPLACED ONCE WHEN CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, NOW BROKEN SECOND TIME. THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY DESIGN FLAW, ITS AGGRAVATING, UNCOMFORTABLE, AND IS A PAIN TO REPLACE. SUPPOSEDLY IT COSTS $75 UP, NOT TO MENTION THE LABOR CHARGES. CHRYSLER SHOULD REPLACE THIS FOR FREE WHEN IT BREAKS.
NHTSA ODI #11170030
45,000 miles · Jan 14, 2019
Electrical SystemEngine
CAR WOULDNT START; WHEN FINALLY DID, PULLED OUT TO ROAD, COULDNT GET IT TO GO PAST 35 MPH, PRESSED GAS PEDAL, EVEN TACHOMETER WOULDNT GO FASTER; COULDNT GET ANY GETUP AND GO; PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD, PUT IN PARK, TAPPED ACCELERATOR FEW TIMES, WOULDNT ACCELERATE; AFRAID TO SHUTDOWN, SO STARTED OUT ON ROAD (45 MPH SPEED), CAR WOULD…
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CAR WOULDNT START; WHEN FINALLY DID, PULLED OUT TO ROAD, COULDNT GET IT TO GO PAST 35 MPH, PRESSED GAS PEDAL, EVEN TACHOMETER WOULDNT GO FASTER; COULDNT GET ANY GETUP AND GO; PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD, PUT IN PARK, TAPPED ACCELERATOR FEW TIMES, WOULDNT ACCELERATE; AFRAID TO SHUTDOWN, SO STARTED OUT ON ROAD (45 MPH SPEED), CAR WOULDNT ACCELERATE PAST 35, FINALLY GOT HOME; SHUT OFF, WOULDNT START AGAIN. CALLING DEALER. LOOKS LIKE OTHERS HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEM. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, RED LIGHT UNDER IT FLASHED THEN STAYED ON.
NHTSA ODI #11170029
50,000 miles · Jan 10, 2019
Power Train
AT 50 THOUSAND MILES ON MY VEHICLE A MAINTAINANCE TECHNICIAN NOTICED TWO MISSING BOLTS IN THE FRONT COUPLING OF THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT. THERE WERE ALSO LOOSE BOLTS IN THE REAL COUPE LONG. A CALL TO CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE REVEALS THAT THE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. HAD THE DRIVE SHAFT COME LOOSE AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT WO…
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AT 50 THOUSAND MILES ON MY VEHICLE A MAINTAINANCE TECHNICIAN NOTICED TWO MISSING BOLTS IN THE FRONT COUPLING OF THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT. THERE WERE ALSO LOOSE BOLTS IN THE REAL COUPE LONG. A CALL TO CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE REVEALS THAT THE COMPANY WILL NOT PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. HAD THE DRIVE SHAFT COME LOOSE AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT WOULD HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC LOS OF LIFE, LIMB OR PROPERTY. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS A NATIONAL RECALL. THE CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE COMPLAINT NUMBER IS 578 216 92.
NHTSA ODI #11166327
60,000 miles · Jan 7, 2019
Electrical SystemStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SKY SLIDER UNINTENTIONALLY OPENED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE HAD WATER DAMAGE, WHICH CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND VARIOUS UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWN'S JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (483 NY-112, EAST PATCHOGUE, NY 117…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 JEEP LIBERTY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SKY SLIDER UNINTENTIONALLY OPENED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE HAD WATER DAMAGE, WHICH CAUSED ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND VARIOUS UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BROWN'S JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (483 NY-112, EAST PATCHOGUE, NY 11772, (888) 615-2184) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE FAILURE WERE DISCONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #11164815
NHTSA investigations
6EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
EA19001 · Electrical Overstress
Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
PE17003 · Occupant Restraint Controller Failure
Opened Jun 1, 2017 · Closed Dec 25, 2017
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate VOQ complaints alleging a failure of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module in model year (MY) 2012 Jeep Liberty.The purpose of the investigation was to understand Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints stating that the air bag warning light remained illuminated while the vehicle was in operation.In many cases the warning light issue was reportedly corrected by a replacement of the ORC module. In 2013 FCA issued NHTSA safety recall 13V282 to address ORC module failures caused by an electrical over stress (EOS) condition that damaged an internal resistor.The failure lead to non-deployment of the active head restraints in rear impact crashes of sufficient severity to require deployment.This condition would also result in illumination of the air bag warning light and set a B2208 diagnostic trouble code (DTC).Recall 13V282 involved two different remedies based on the model year and model of the recalled vehicle.Some models were repaired by replacing the ORC with an updated unit.However the subject vehicles of this investigation, which made up the largest population in the recall, received a software update to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), another electronic device that is involved in powering of the ORC. After the investigation was opened, FCA began collecting failed subject vehicle ORC modules so they could be analyzed for failure causation.From June 2017 to August 2017 FCA obtained 13 ORC modules and analyzed 10 of them.FCA determined 9 contained evidence of the resistor over stress condition.Of that group, 7 had experienced resistor failures prior to the TIPM being re-flashed under the recall action.In these cases, replacement of the ORC module would have been the only effective repair to extinguish the air bag warning lamp.This observation correlates well with VOQ complaints ODI received from consumers who experienced an airbag warning light illuminated when they presented their vehicle in for the original 13V282 repair.Many of these consumers were told the TIPM re-flash did not fix the warning light issue, and that their ORC module needed to be replaced (at the consumer's expense). ODI notes that 8 of the 10 analyzed ORCs displaying the resistor EOS condition also had DTC B1BCF stored.This code is related to the detection of a possible internal fault with a rollover sensor.FCA conducted additional testing and concluded that the presence of the resistor failure caused the subsequent setting of the this DTC. On October 4, 2017 FCA decided to conduct a safety recall to replace the subject vehicle ORC modules with a redesigned device.FCA submitted the defect information report to the agency on October 10, 2017. See NHTSA 17V640 for further details.Accordingly the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers: 10994134, 10994095, 10993838, 10993675, 10993482, 10991764, 10985011, 10984531, 10980350, 10970003, 10969021, 10957076, 10948802, 10945162, 10938664, 10928226, 10917300, 10904332, 10896571, 10893915, 10888324, 10887727, 10865180, 10862586, 10860359, 10853737, 10850921, 10850366, 10837723, 10837086, 10816784, 10816174, 10810454, 10787829, 10778572, 10766688, 10761468, 10761189, 10747749, 10746608, 10744774, 10736037, 10730658, 10717657, 10706097, 10684125, 10681813, 10652841, 10648367, 10641248, 10622487, 10619379, 10618765, 10617657, 10614874, 10608301, 10605955, 11041327, 11047850, 11030130, 11012891, 11024995, 11051267, 11012170
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate VOQ complaints alleging a failure of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module in model year (MY) 2012 Jeep Liberty.The purpose of the investigation was to understand Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints stating that the air bag warning light remained illuminated while the vehicle was in operation.In many cases the warning light issue was reportedly corrected by a replacement of the ORC module. In 2013 FCA issued NHTSA safety recall 13V282 to address ORC module failures caused by an electrical over stress (EOS) condition that damaged an internal resistor.The failure lead to non-deployment of the active head restraints in rear impact crashes of sufficient severity to require deployment.This condition would also result in illumination of the air bag warning light and set a B2208 diagnostic trouble code (DTC).Recall 13V282 involved two different remedies based on the model year and model of the recalled vehicle.Some models were repaired by replacing the ORC with an updated unit.However the subject vehicles of this investigation, which made up the largest population in the recall, received a software update to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), another electronic device that is involved in powering of the ORC. After the investigation was opened, FCA began collecting failed subject vehicle ORC modules so they could be analyzed for failure causation.From June 2017 to August 2017 FCA obtained 13 ORC modules and analyzed 10 of them.FCA determined 9 contained evidence of the resistor over stress condition.Of that group, 7 had experienced resistor failures prior to the TIPM being re-flashed under the recall action.In these cases, replacement of the ORC module would have been the only effective repair to extinguish the air bag warning lamp.This observation correlates well with VOQ complaints ODI received from consumers who experienced an airbag warning light illuminated when they presented their vehicle in for the original 13V282 repair.Many of these consumers were told the TIPM re-flash did not fix the warning light issue, and that their ORC module needed to be replaced (at the consumer's expense). ODI notes that 8 of the 10 analyzed ORCs displaying the resistor EOS condition also had DTC B1BCF stored.This code is related to the detection of a possible internal fault with a rollover sensor.FCA conducted additional testing and concluded that the presence of the resistor failure caused the subsequent setting of the this DTC. On October 4, 2017 FCA decided to conduct a safety recall to replace the subject vehicle ORC modules with a redesigned device.FCA submitted the defect information report to the agency on October 10, 2017. See NHTSA 17V640 for further details.Accordingly the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers: 10994134, 10994095, 10993838, 10993675, 10993482, 10991764, 10985011, 10984531, 10980350, 10970003, 10969021, 10957076, 10948802, 10945162, 10938664, 10928226, 10917300, 10904332, 10896571, 10893915, 10888324, 10887727, 10865180, 10862586, 10860359, 10853737, 10850921, 10850366, 10837723, 10837086, 10816784, 10816174, 10810454, 10787829, 10778572, 10766688, 10761468, 10761189, 10747749, 10746608, 10744774, 10736037, 10730658, 10717657, 10706097, 10684125, 10681813, 10652841, 10648367, 10641248, 10622487, 10619379, 10618765, 10617657, 10614874, 10608301, 10605955, 11041327, 11047850, 11030130, 11012891, 11024995, 11051267, 11012170
Air Bags:frontal
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate VOQ complaints alleging a failure of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module in model year (MY) 2012 Jeep Liberty.The purpose of the investigation was to understand Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints stating that the air bag warning light remained illuminated while the vehicle was in operation.In many cases the warning light issue was reportedly corrected by a replacement of the ORC module. In 2013 FCA issued NHTSA safety recall 13V282 to address ORC module failures caused by an electrical over stress (EOS) condition that damaged an internal resistor.The failure lead to non-deployment of the active head restraints in rear impact crashes of sufficient severity to require deployment.This condition would also result in illumination of the air bag warning light and set a B2208 diagnostic trouble code (DTC).Recall 13V282 involved two different remedies based on the model year and model of the recalled vehicle.Some models were repaired by replacing the ORC with an updated unit.However the subject vehicles of this investigation, which made up the largest population in the recall, received a software update to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), another electronic device that is involved in powering of the ORC. After the investigation was opened, FCA began collecting failed subject vehicle ORC modules so they could be analyzed for failure causation.From June 2017 to August 2017 FCA obtained 13 ORC modules and analyzed 10 of them.FCA determined 9 contained evidence of the resistor over stress condition.Of that group, 7 had experienced resistor failures prior to the TIPM being re-flashed under the recall action.In these cases, replacement of the ORC module would have been the only effective repair to extinguish the air bag warning lamp.This observation correlates well with VOQ complaints ODI received from consumers who experienced an airbag warning light illuminated when they presented their vehicle in for the original 13V282 repair.Many of these consumers were told the TIPM re-flash did not fix the warning light issue, and that their ORC module needed to be replaced (at the consumer's expense). ODI notes that 8 of the 10 analyzed ORCs displaying the resistor EOS condition also had DTC B1BCF stored.This code is related to the detection of a possible internal fault with a rollover sensor.FCA conducted additional testing and concluded that the presence of the resistor failure caused the subsequent setting of the this DTC. On October 4, 2017 FCA decided to conduct a safety recall to replace the subject vehicle ORC modules with a redesigned device.FCA submitted the defect information report to the agency on October 10, 2017. See NHTSA 17V640 for further details.Accordingly the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers: 10994134, 10994095, 10993838, 10993675, 10993482, 10991764, 10985011, 10984531, 10980350, 10970003, 10969021, 10957076, 10948802, 10945162, 10938664, 10928226, 10917300, 10904332, 10896571, 10893915, 10888324, 10887727, 10865180, 10862586, 10860359, 10853737, 10850921, 10850366, 10837723, 10837086, 10816784, 10816174, 10810454, 10787829, 10778572, 10766688, 10761468, 10761189, 10747749, 10746608, 10744774, 10736037, 10730658, 10717657, 10706097, 10684125, 10681813, 10652841, 10648367, 10641248, 10622487, 10619379, 10618765, 10617657, 10614874, 10608301, 10605955, 11041327, 11047850, 11030130, 11012891, 11024995, 11051267, 11012170
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
The Office of Defects Investigation opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate VOQ complaints alleging a failure of the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) module in model year (MY) 2012 Jeep Liberty.The purpose of the investigation was to understand Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaints stating that the air bag warning light remained illuminated while the vehicle was in operation.In many cases the warning light issue was reportedly corrected by a replacement of the ORC module. In 2013 FCA issued NHTSA safety recall 13V282 to address ORC module failures caused by an electrical over stress (EOS) condition that damaged an internal resistor.The failure lead to non-deployment of the active head restraints in rear impact crashes of sufficient severity to require deployment.This condition would also result in illumination of the air bag warning light and set a B2208 diagnostic trouble code (DTC).Recall 13V282 involved two different remedies based on the model year and model of the recalled vehicle.Some models were repaired by replacing the ORC with an updated unit.However the subject vehicles of this investigation, which made up the largest population in the recall, received a software update to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), another electronic device that is involved in powering of the ORC. After the investigation was opened, FCA began collecting failed subject vehicle ORC modules so they could be analyzed for failure causation.From June 2017 to August 2017 FCA obtained 13 ORC modules and analyzed 10 of them.FCA determined 9 contained evidence of the resistor over stress condition.Of that group, 7 had experienced resistor failures prior to the TIPM being re-flashed under the recall action.In these cases, replacement of the ORC module would have been the only effective repair to extinguish the air bag warning lamp.This observation correlates well with VOQ complaints ODI received from consumers who experienced an airbag warning light illuminated when they presented their vehicle in for the original 13V282 repair.Many of these consumers were told the TIPM re-flash did not fix the warning light issue, and that their ORC module needed to be replaced (at the consumer's expense). ODI notes that 8 of the 10 analyzed ORCs displaying the resistor EOS condition also had DTC B1BCF stored.This code is related to the detection of a possible internal fault with a rollover sensor.FCA conducted additional testing and concluded that the presence of the resistor failure caused the subsequent setting of the this DTC. On October 4, 2017 FCA decided to conduct a safety recall to replace the subject vehicle ORC modules with a redesigned device.FCA submitted the defect information report to the agency on October 10, 2017. See NHTSA 17V640 for further details.Accordingly the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ID numbers: 10994134, 10994095, 10993838, 10993675, 10993482, 10991764, 10985011, 10984531, 10980350, 10970003, 10969021, 10957076, 10948802, 10945162, 10938664, 10928226, 10917300, 10904332, 10896571, 10893915, 10888324, 10887727, 10865180, 10862586, 10860359, 10853737, 10850921, 10850366, 10837723, 10837086, 10816784, 10816174, 10810454, 10787829, 10778572, 10766688, 10761468, 10761189, 10747749, 10746608, 10744774, 10736037, 10730658, 10717657, 10706097, 10684125, 10681813, 10652841, 10648367, 10641248, 10622487, 10619379, 10618765, 10617657, 10614874, 10608301, 10605955, 11041327, 11047850, 11030130, 11012891, 11024995, 11051267, 11012170
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
PE13034 · Jeep Liberty Door Fires
Opened Oct 21, 2013 · Closed Mar 9, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
The driver's side power master window switch (PMWS) evaluted during this investigation controls the power windows for all four doors, the power mirrors and door locks.The PMWS is located on the driver's side door panel.Chrysler advised that the PMWS was used on multiple vehicle platforms including model year (MY) 2011 Dodge Nitro, MY 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty and MY 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan for a total of approximately 425,000 vehicles.At the opening of the investigation, ODI identified two reports of fire near the vicinity of the PMWS on MY 2012 Jeep Liberty Vehicles.During the course of the investigation, ODI determined that one of the complaint fires was not likely caused by a PMWS failure as available evidence indicated the fire started in the dashboard as opposed to the door panel area.Accordingly, the report was removed from the above counts.In response to ODI's October 30, 2013 information request (IR) letter, Chrysler advised that it was only aware of the same two fire reports as ODI and that it had concluded one of the reports did not involve a PMWS failure.ODI has not identified any new subject vehicle reports involving PMWS fires during the course of the investigation.In addition to the reports alleging fire, ODI evaluated other reports and data related to PMWS failures including consumer complaints, field reports, law suits, and warranty claims provided by Chrysler in its response.ODI interviewed owners of complaint vehicles when additional information was required.In addition to the subject Jeep Liberty, ODI reports for the additional Chrysler vehicles that use the same PMWS were also reviewed.ODI identified two additional ODI complaints (see ODI 10523317 and 10474901) involving Chrysler minivans that alleged door fires that were, or may have been related to a PMWS failure.In discussions with ODI, Chrysler stated that it conducted a search for consumer complaints alleging PMWS related door fires on the additional vehicles that use the same PMWS but did not identify any responsive reports.Based on ODI's assessment of available data, the overall failure rate for the PMWS, which was used in a large population of vehicles, appears to be low, and the failure rate for those that resulted in fires is even lower.Additionally the data does not indicate a trend, climatic, or regional effects indicative of an actionable defect issue.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10459029
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
The driver's side power master window switch (PMWS) evaluted during this investigation controls the power windows for all four doors, the power mirrors and door locks.The PMWS is located on the driver's side door panel.Chrysler advised that the PMWS was used on multiple vehicle platforms including model year (MY) 2011 Dodge Nitro, MY 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty and MY 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan for a total of approximately 425,000 vehicles.At the opening of the investigation, ODI identified two reports of fire near the vicinity of the PMWS on MY 2012 Jeep Liberty Vehicles.During the course of the investigation, ODI determined that one of the complaint fires was not likely caused by a PMWS failure as available evidence indicated the fire started in the dashboard as opposed to the door panel area.Accordingly, the report was removed from the above counts.In response to ODI's October 30, 2013 information request (IR) letter, Chrysler advised that it was only aware of the same two fire reports as ODI and that it had concluded one of the reports did not involve a PMWS failure.ODI has not identified any new subject vehicle reports involving PMWS fires during the course of the investigation.In addition to the reports alleging fire, ODI evaluated other reports and data related to PMWS failures including consumer complaints, field reports, law suits, and warranty claims provided by Chrysler in its response.ODI interviewed owners of complaint vehicles when additional information was required.In addition to the subject Jeep Liberty, ODI reports for the additional Chrysler vehicles that use the same PMWS were also reviewed.ODI identified two additional ODI complaints (see ODI 10523317 and 10474901) involving Chrysler minivans that alleged door fires that were, or may have been related to a PMWS failure.In discussions with ODI, Chrysler stated that it conducted a search for consumer complaints alleging PMWS related door fires on the additional vehicles that use the same PMWS but did not identify any responsive reports.Based on ODI's assessment of available data, the overall failure rate for the PMWS, which was used in a large population of vehicles, appears to be low, and the failure rate for those that resulted in fires is even lower.Additionally the data does not indicate a trend, climatic, or regional effects indicative of an actionable defect issue.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10459029
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
The driver's side power master window switch (PMWS) evaluted during this investigation controls the power windows for all four doors, the power mirrors and door locks.The PMWS is located on the driver's side door panel.Chrysler advised that the PMWS was used on multiple vehicle platforms including model year (MY) 2011 Dodge Nitro, MY 2011-2012 Jeep Liberty and MY 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Caravan for a total of approximately 425,000 vehicles.At the opening of the investigation, ODI identified two reports of fire near the vicinity of the PMWS on MY 2012 Jeep Liberty Vehicles.During the course of the investigation, ODI determined that one of the complaint fires was not likely caused by a PMWS failure as available evidence indicated the fire started in the dashboard as opposed to the door panel area.Accordingly, the report was removed from the above counts.In response to ODI's October 30, 2013 information request (IR) letter, Chrysler advised that it was only aware of the same two fire reports as ODI and that it had concluded one of the reports did not involve a PMWS failure.ODI has not identified any new subject vehicle reports involving PMWS fires during the course of the investigation.In addition to the reports alleging fire, ODI evaluated other reports and data related to PMWS failures including consumer complaints, field reports, law suits, and warranty claims provided by Chrysler in its response.ODI interviewed owners of complaint vehicles when additional information was required.In addition to the subject Jeep Liberty, ODI reports for the additional Chrysler vehicles that use the same PMWS were also reviewed.ODI identified two additional ODI complaints (see ODI 10523317 and 10474901) involving Chrysler minivans that alleged door fires that were, or may have been related to a PMWS failure.In discussions with ODI, Chrysler stated that it conducted a search for consumer complaints alleging PMWS related door fires on the additional vehicles that use the same PMWS but did not identify any responsive reports.Based on ODI's assessment of available data, the overall failure rate for the PMWS, which was used in a large population of vehicles, appears to be low, and the failure rate for those that resulted in fires is even lower.Additionally the data does not indicate a trend, climatic, or regional effects indicative of an actionable defect issue.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10459029
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