NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
362 reports113,737 miles · Jul 30, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
THIS IS THE 2ND INCIDENT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. FIRST COMPLAINT #10468365. I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. I CROSSED THE STREET AND MY TIRES SPLASHED WATER THAT WAS RUNNING DOWN THE STREET GUTTER. THE WATER WAS 2-4" DEEP. I ONCE AGAIN IMMEDIATELY LOST STEERING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE THE S…
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THIS IS THE 2ND INCIDENT FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. FIRST COMPLAINT #10468365. I WAS STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. I CROSSED THE STREET AND MY TIRES SPLASHED WATER THAT WAS RUNNING DOWN THE STREET GUTTER. THE WATER WAS 2-4" DEEP. I ONCE AGAIN IMMEDIATELY LOST STEERING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE THE STEERING WHEEL ENOUGH TO PULL IT OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND THE BELT HAD SLIPPED OFF AGAIN. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE GARAGE. THE MECHANIC CHECKED OUT THE BELT AND THE TENSIONER AND SAID THEY WERE OK, AND THEY REINSTALLED THE BELT. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED I WAS TURNING A CORNER, AND THE VAN WENT INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE. I GUESS I CAN BE THANKFUL FOR THE DRAUGHT THESE PAST FEW MONTHS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. IT MAKES ME AFRAID OF DRIVING WHEN IT IS RAINING OR WITH ANY WATER ON THE ROAD. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH, PASSING SOMEONE, OR TAKING A CURVE IN THE ROAD. I CONTACTED THE CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP. A BULLETIN #07-0299 WAS ISSUED IN 7.14.99. THE DEALERSHIP SAID I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE ANY FIXES AS IT WASN'T A RECALLED PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD MY MECHANIC THEY OFFERED A $400 KIT TO FIX THE PROBLEM, OR I COULD PURCHASE A "SNOW" SHIELD AND HAVE IT INSTALLED. WHY WOULD I NEED A "SNOW" SHIELD IN LOUISIANA? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468370
111,795 miles · Jul 30, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
IT HAD BEEN RAINING BUT HAD STOPPED. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN MY RIGHT TIRE WENT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 2-4" OF WATER IN THE GUTTER. I IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND VEERED INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO CARS IN THAT LANE. I HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT.…
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IT HAD BEEN RAINING BUT HAD STOPPED. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN WHEN MY RIGHT TIRE WENT THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 2-4" OF WATER IN THE GUTTER. I IMMEDIATELY LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING AND VEERED INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE. FORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO CARS IN THAT LANE. I HAD DIFFICULTY STEERING AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. I WAS FORTUNATE THE GARAGE WAS AROUND THE CORNER. THE BELT HAD SLIPPED OFF THE PULLEYS. THE BELT HAD NOT BROKEN, ONLY SLIPPED OFF. THEY SAID I WAS THE 3RD TOWN AND COUNTRY THAT DAY THAT HAD TO HAVE THE BELT PUT BACK ON DUE TO THE WET WEATHER, AND THAT IT WAS A PROBLEM WITH MODEL FOR MANY YEARS. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME TO SEND THIS REPORT. WHEN I HIT "VERIFY" EVERYTHING GOES BLANK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10468365
152,950 miles · Jul 15, 2012
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
ON THIS DAY I WAS SITING IN MY VAN WITH THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION RESETTING MY CLOCKS IN THE VEHICLE I RESTED MY HAND ON THE SHIFTER WHEN IT RELEASED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE GEAR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING THERE ARE NO BRAKES BECAUSE OF POWER BRAKING YOU CANT STOP ON A DIME SO I QUICKLY ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE…
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ON THIS DAY I WAS SITING IN MY VAN WITH THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION RESETTING MY CLOCKS IN THE VEHICLE I RESTED MY HAND ON THE SHIFTER WHEN IT RELEASED FROM PARK INTO REVERSE GEAR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING THERE ARE NO BRAKES BECAUSE OF POWER BRAKING YOU CANT STOP ON A DIME SO I QUICKLY ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING DOWN MY DRIVE. I IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED CHRYSLER WHO CLAIMS THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE SINCE THEY DID NOT INSTALL THIS SAFTEY FEATURE ON ANY CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VAN TO DATE ALSO I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH WHEN IT RAINS THE SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF THE PULLEYS IF WATER SPLASHES UP ONTO THE BELT ITSELF CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES AND STEERING DUE TO THIS DEFECT CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT AGAIN REFUSES TO RECALL THE VEHICLES FOR A SAFER FIX SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEOFE THEY KILL SOMEONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10465735
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
I OWN A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN. MAJOR PROBLEM IS SERPENTINE BELT COMING OFF AND CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHICH CAUSES EXTREMELY HARD STEERING. I HAVE REPLACED TENSIONERS TWICE IN THE AND BELT 4 TIMES. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE FREE WAY OR A STREET WITH ALOT OF TR…
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I OWN A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN. MAJOR PROBLEM IS SERPENTINE BELT COMING OFF AND CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING. EVERY TIME IT RAINS MY SERPENTINE BELT COMES OFF WHICH CAUSES EXTREMELY HARD STEERING. I HAVE REPLACED TENSIONERS TWICE IN THE AND BELT 4 TIMES. THANK GOD I WAS NOT ON THE FREE WAY OR A STREET WITH ALOT OF TRAFFIC OR THIS COULD KILL ME OR AN OTHER PERSON. I HAVE LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND THIS HAS HAPPENED TO 100S OF PEOPLE. ON THE INTERNET IT STATE THAT THE FACTORY RECOMMENDED REPAIR ( THE REPLACEMENT OF THE IDLER PULLEY AND THE PULLEYS RETAINING BRACKET.) IN THE TSB I READ, CHRYSLER'S ENGINEERS HAVE DECIDED THAT ON SOME MODELS THE IDLER PULLEY IS MISALIGNED BY .08 INCHES. CHRYSLER SHOULD RECALL THIS AND FIX THERE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. GET INVOLVED AND MAKE CHRYSLER FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10444714
158,000 miles · Nov 11, 2011
SteeringSuspensionCrashInjury
STRUT TOWER CORRODED AND SPRING AND STRUT POPPED THRU AND CAUSED LOSS OF CONTROL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10435246
142,000 miles · Aug 15, 2011
Suspension
WE TOOK OUR 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TO OUR MECHANIC TO HAVE THE WATER PUMP REPLACED AND HE INFORMED US OF THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER RUSTING OUT AND SHOULD HAVE IT REPLACED AS IT COULD BE A HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS REPORTED TO US ON 08-2011 WITH THE CAR HAVING 142000 MILES ON IT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR IT A…
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WE TOOK OUR 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY TO OUR MECHANIC TO HAVE THE WATER PUMP REPLACED AND HE INFORMED US OF THE DRIVERS SIDE STRUT TOWER RUSTING OUT AND SHOULD HAVE IT REPLACED AS IT COULD BE A HAZARD WHILE DRIVING. THIS WAS REPORTED TO US ON 08-2011 WITH THE CAR HAVING 142000 MILES ON IT. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR IT AT THIS POINT. AM LOOKING TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10419536
158,000 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ADDING OIL IN THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE SHOCK STRUT TOWERS WERE RUSTED AND WOULD CAUSE THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 158,00…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ADDING OIL IN THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE SHOCK STRUT TOWERS WERE RUSTED AND WOULD CAUSE THE STRUCTURE OF THE VEHICLE TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 158,000. UPDATED 3/14/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE STRUT TOWER WAS RUSTED AND THE STRUT BROKE THROUGH THE BODY OF THE TOWER. THE STRUT CAME TO REST ONLY INCHES AWAY. THE LOCAL BODY SHOP REBUILT THE TOWER BY WELDING SHEET METAL . HE FORMED AND REINFORCED THE SHOCK TOWER. UPDATED 06/30/11
NHTSA ODI #10373881
145,000 miles · Dec 11, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I OWN A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY MINIVAN. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN WITH 3 PASSENGERS ( 1 YOUTH, 1 TODDLER IN CAR SEAT AND 1 ELDERLY PERSON) I NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO CONTROL, IMMEDIATELY AFTER I LOOKED AT MY INDICATORS AND NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE WAS ON THE MAX HOT SETTING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND ARK…
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I OWN A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY MINIVAN. WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN WITH 3 PASSENGERS ( 1 YOUTH, 1 TODDLER IN CAR SEAT AND 1 ELDERLY PERSON) I NOTICED THE STEERING BECAME VERY HARD TO CONTROL, IMMEDIATELY AFTER I LOOKED AT MY INDICATORS AND NOTICED THE TEMPERATURE WAS ON THE MAX HOT SETTING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND ARK IT AND UPON HAVING IT TOWED I NOTICED A BELT HANGING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. AFTER ASKING AROUND AND DOING RESEARCH I FOUND IT WAS THE SERPENTINE BELT, WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX AT THIS TIME AND I ALSO FOUND OUT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. WONT CHRYSLER DO ANYTHING TO FIX THIS MOST DANGEROUS DEFECT??!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369958
121,000 miles · Nov 1, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF IN WET WEATHER ON MY 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY MINIVAN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES THIS PAST YEAR ALONE AND HAS COST ME IN TERMS OF TOWING AND SERVICE. THIS CAN ALSO BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION DEPENDING ON WHEN AND WHERE THE BELT FALLS OFF. WHEN THE BELT COMES OFF, THERE IS NO POWER STEERING, T…
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THE SERPENTINE BELT FALLS OFF IN WET WEATHER ON MY 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY MINIVAN. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES THIS PAST YEAR ALONE AND HAS COST ME IN TERMS OF TOWING AND SERVICE. THIS CAN ALSO BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION DEPENDING ON WHEN AND WHERE THE BELT FALLS OFF. WHEN THE BELT COMES OFF, THERE IS NO POWER STEERING, THE RADIATOR OVERHEATS, AND THE ALTERNATOR ISN'T CHARGING. THIS CAN RUIN THE ENGINE. AFTER SEARCHING THE WEB, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON EXPERIENCE FOR BOTH DODGE CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY VANS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10363569
109,350 miles · Sep 22, 2010
Steering
I DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE TODAY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN I LOST MY STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS BOUT .5 MILES FROM HOME. BY THE TIME I GOT WITHIN .25 MILES MY TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON. WHEN I GOT TO MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS DRAGGING. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER ABOUT 5 WEEKS AGO…
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I DROVE THROUGH A PUDDLE TODAY TRAVELING AT ABOUT 30 MPH WHEN I LOST MY STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS BOUT .5 MILES FROM HOME. BY THE TIME I GOT WITHIN .25 MILES MY TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT HAD COME ON. WHEN I GOT TO MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS DRAGGING. THIS SAME THING HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER ABOUT 5 WEEKS AGO. MY VEHICLE IS A 1999 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY AND I UNDERSTAND THIS IS A HABITUAL PROBLEM. MY SERVICE PERSON REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. HE SAID I WAS LUCKY IT HAPPENED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET AND NOT ON A HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357058
Official recalls
4Oct 6, 2004
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DISABLED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL COVERED VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. FOR THOSE VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL OFFER AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY UNDER WHICH IT WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AT NO CHARGE IF IT FAILS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Mar 8, 2002
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, SOME TRIM MATERIAL CAN LOOSEN AND DROP INTO THE REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRIM WITH FOAM BLOCKERS AND INSPECT AND REPLACE ALL 3RD ROW SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Apr 11, 2001
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN VAN, WAGON, PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THE FRONT SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MAY NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE RETRACTOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY, IT WILL NOT ADEQUATELY PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 20, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Sep 13, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS BUILT WITH 3.3L AND 3.8L ENGINES HAVE FUEL RAILS WITH NITROLE RUBBER O-RING SEALS THAT CAN DEGRADE OVER TIME. FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE UNDERHOOD FUEL INJECTION FUEL RAIL COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A VEHICLE FIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ON THE VEHICLE FUEL RAILS TO PREVENT EXTERNAL LEAKAGE OF FUEL FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE, SHOULD THE EXISTING O-RINGS CONTINUE TO DEGRADE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 25, 2002. DUE TO THE LARGE QUANTITY OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN THIS CAMPAIGN, THE OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE PHASED OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8EA04013 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Opened Jun 4, 2004 · Closed May 25, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
THE DRIVER AIR BAG CLOCKSPRING CAN DEVELOP AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CONDITION RESULTING IN NONFUNCTIONAL DRIVER-SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG, HORN, CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED), AND/OR STEERING WHEEL RADIO CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).IN ITS OCTOBER 5, 2004 LETTER TO NHTSA, DAIMLERCHRYSLER STATED THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL AND REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL MY 1998.5-2000 DAIMLERCHRYSLER MINIVANS, BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1998 AND AUGUST 2000, WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS.IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A LIFETIME WARRANTY FOR THIS COMPONENT ON MY 1998.5-2000 MINIVANS, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE.THE DETAILS OF THE CORRECTIVE ACTION ARE DESCRIBED IN DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S LETTER (SEE RECALL NO. 04V-480).THE AGENCY BELIEVES THAT FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS WITH RESPECT TO THOSE VEHICLES COVERED ONLY BY THE LIFETIME WARRANTY.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE PAGE 2 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
PE04017 · Overheating Of Seat Heaters
Opened Feb 18, 2004 · Closed Jun 21, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:seat Heater/cooler
ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 24 COMPLAINTS ALLEGING THAT THE ELECTRICALLY HEATED DRIVER OR PASSENGER SEAT SPARKS/OVERHEATS.DAIMLERCHRYSLER BELIEVES THE FAILURE IS DUE TO ONE OF TWO FACTORS:THE STITCHING OPERATION ON THE SEAT COVER MAY CAUSE THE SEWING NEEDLE TO SEVER SOME STRANDS OF THE WIRE HEATING GRID IN THE SEAT, OR A POOR SOLDER JOINT/WIRE CONNECTOR FAILS DUE TO IMPROPER PROCESSING OR LONG TERM OVERSTRESSING.THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE SEAT HEATER SWITCH MUST BOTH BE TURNED ON TO POWER THE SEAT HEATER.COMPLAINANTS REPORT THAT WHEN OVERHEATING OCCURS, SWITCHING THE HEATER OFF ALSO STOPS THE OVERHEATING.THE FAILURE CANNOT OCCUR IN AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF.ODI FINDS THAT THE 33 FIRE ALLEGATIONS ARE REPORTING VERY LOCALIZED OVERHEATING(PHOTOS OF DAMAGED SEATS SHOW HOLES THE SIZE OF A PENCIL OR LESS).THERE ARE NO REPORTS OF SUSTAINED COMBUSTION AND NO REPORTS OF OTHER FIRE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.THE INJURY ALLEGATIONS ARE REPORTING MINOR INJURY.NO CONSUMERS REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT (PHYSICIAN CARE).THERE ARE NO ALLEGATIONS OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL DUE TO FAILURE OF A HEATED SEAT.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
RQ04001 · Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Opened Jan 28, 2004 · Closed Jun 4, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
COMPLAINTS REPORT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATES, AND THIS MAY BE ACCOMPANIED WITH A NON-FUNCTIONING HORN AND/OR CRUISE CONTROL (IF EQUIPPED).THIS IS INDICATIVE OF AN OPEN-CIRCUIT CLOCKSPRING FAILURE (RESULTS IN NON-FUNCTIONING DRIVER'S AIR BAG), SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE CONDITION THAT WAS THE SUBJECT OF DAIMLERCHRYSLER'S RECALL OF MODEL YEAR 1996-1998.5 MINIVANS (RECALL NO. 02V-293).THIS RECALL QUERY HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-013).
EA01007 · Air Bag Clockspring
Opened Feb 21, 2001 · Closed Nov 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
There is no summary currently available
PE00034 · Overheating Of Front Seat Heaters
Opened Aug 31, 2000 · Closed Jan 5, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
ALLEGE THAT THE FRONT SEATS OVER HEAT AND SMOKE OR CATCH FIRE
RQ00008 · Dc Minivan Fuel Injector Rail Leak
Opened Mar 9, 2000 · Closed Mar 18, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
There is no summary currently available
EA99013 · Post Collision Fuel System
Opened Jun 11, 1999 · Closed Aug 10, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
No summary supplied.
PE99010 · POST-COLLISION Fuel System Integrity
Opened Feb 3, 1999 · Closed Jun 11, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
There is no summary currently available