IllustrationSUBFRAME - THE SUBFRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND ROTTED OUT WITH LARGE HOLES THROUGHOUT IT. APPARENTLY, IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. NOR, IS THIS DEFECT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND A RECALL HAS NEVER BEEN ISSUED.
2011 Dodge Caliber
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Caliber do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 165.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Caliber years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
290–25K
1625–50K
1450–75K
1775–100K
19100–150K
8150K+
103 reports with mileage · 62 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Air Bags. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports1 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
165 reportsRUSTED OUT SUB-FRAME. I'VE HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR, IT'S HAD ALL OF IT'S SERVICING DONE PRIOR AT DODGE DEALERS AND NO MENTION OF RUSTED OUT SUB-FRAME. WAS DRIVING THIS MORNING WHEN MY TIRE SEIZED THEN STARTED TO WOBBLE WHILE IN 45MPH TRAFFIC ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF AND PARK BEFORE GETTING INTO AN A…
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RUSTED OUT SUB-FRAME. I'VE HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR, IT'S HAD ALL OF IT'S SERVICING DONE PRIOR AT DODGE DEALERS AND NO MENTION OF RUSTED OUT SUB-FRAME. WAS DRIVING THIS MORNING WHEN MY TIRE SEIZED THEN STARTED TO WOBBLE WHILE IN 45MPH TRAFFIC ON A DIVIDED HIGHWAY. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF AND PARK BEFORE GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT! IT'S NOW SITTING AT MY MECHANIC'S SHOP WAITING ON AN INVESTIGATION AND PRICING. THIS NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC'S KNOWLEDGE! THIS SUB-FRAME RUSTING OUT THIS QUICKLY IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE! I'M COLLECTING PICTURES AND STATEMENTS FROM MY MECHANIC AND THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER AND WILL CONTACT THE PRESS IF I HAVE TO!!
FRONT SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED AND SPLIT IN HALF. CAUSING STEERING ISSUE, SHAKING AND LOUD CLUNKING FROM DRIVERS SIDE AND UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. ALSO....HAVING ISSUE WITH ETC, ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL KICKS INTO LIMP MODE OFTEN WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING NEAR ACCIDENTS WHILE ON HWY OR PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THIS CAR IS NOW UNSAFE F…
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FRONT SUB FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED AND SPLIT IN HALF. CAUSING STEERING ISSUE, SHAKING AND LOUD CLUNKING FROM DRIVERS SIDE AND UNEVEN TIRE WEAR. ALSO....HAVING ISSUE WITH ETC, ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL KICKS INTO LIMP MODE OFTEN WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING NEAR ACCIDENTS WHILE ON HWY OR PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. THIS CAR IS NOW UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNCOOPERATIVE BECAUSE NO RECALLS ARE LISTED. LOOKED ON SEVERAL BLOGS PLUS THIS SITE....SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME ISSUES. VERY SURPRISED AND DISSATISFIED THAT MORE IS NOT BEING DONE TO FIX KNOWN ISSUES.
WHEN THE CAR IS I'M MOTION OR STANDING THE VEHICLES ENGINE BEGINS TO RACE THE ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL AS CHARGING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CARS SPEED DROPS BELOW 25MPH AND IF HEADLAMPS IF BEING USED THE FLICKER OFF AND ON . THE OIL WAS RECENTLY CHANGE BUT THE CHANGE OIL LIGHT COMES ON REPEATEDLY.. HEADLAMPS THAT WERE REPLACED BLEW IN…
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WHEN THE CAR IS I'M MOTION OR STANDING THE VEHICLES ENGINE BEGINS TO RACE THE ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL AS CHARGING LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CARS SPEED DROPS BELOW 25MPH AND IF HEADLAMPS IF BEING USED THE FLICKER OFF AND ON . THE OIL WAS RECENTLY CHANGE BUT THE CHANGE OIL LIGHT COMES ON REPEATEDLY.. HEADLAMPS THAT WERE REPLACED BLEW IN 2 MONTHS . THE CAR REPEATEDLY NEED TO BE JUMPED EVENTHOUGH NOTHING WAS LEFT RUNNING OR ON IN THE VEHICLE..
CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CAR WILL BOT DRIVE OFER 20 MPH. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO JUST SHUT DOWN. SEEN MANY ISSUES WITH THE DAME THING AND IT IS BEING SAID IT IS TIPM. THEY DEALER HAS SAID THEY GO BAD REPEATEDLY DUE TO CORROSION BECAUSE OF A BAD DESIGN. IT IS CRAZY HAVING TO PAY 2000+ DOLLARS TO REP…
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CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON CAR WILL BOT DRIVE OFER 20 MPH. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO JUST SHUT DOWN. SEEN MANY ISSUES WITH THE DAME THING AND IT IS BEING SAID IT IS TIPM. THEY DEALER HAS SAID THEY GO BAD REPEATEDLY DUE TO CORROSION BECAUSE OF A BAD DESIGN. IT IS CRAZY HAVING TO PAY 2000+ DOLLARS TO REPLACE THE SAME PART MULTIPLE TIMES TO BE JUST SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROAD OR INTERSTATE WHILE DRIVING. HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES SO DAT.
SEALED TAIL LIGHTS LEAKING WATER INSIDE , WON'T PASS STATE INSPECTION.
MY DODGE CALIBER 2011 IS JUNK. THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS SHOT, LITTLE OVER 115000. THEY SAY THE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE WORKED ON ONLY REPLACED. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR QUICKLY DECELERATED TO A POINT I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. THEN THE CAR COULD NOT GO ABOVE 3000 RPM. READ IN MANY FORUMS ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSU…
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MY DODGE CALIBER 2011 IS JUNK. THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS SHOT, LITTLE OVER 115000. THEY SAY THE TRANSMISSION CANNOT BE WORKED ON ONLY REPLACED. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR QUICKLY DECELERATED TO A POINT I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED. THEN THE CAR COULD NOT GO ABOVE 3000 RPM. READ IN MANY FORUMS ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE YET DODGE WILL NOT HELP AT ALL. FUNNY THE SAME TRANSMISSION IS PUT IN NISSAN CARS AND THEY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE TRANSMISSIONS AND IS LOOKING FOR A FIX. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER DODGE PRODUCT AGAIN. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN HIT, DODGE WOULD BE GETTING A LAWSUIT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, MOISTURE LEAKED INTO THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER'S CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (48 KELLY ISLAND RD, MARTINSBURG, WV 25401, (304) 263-8821) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, MOISTURE LEAKED INTO THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MILLER'S CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (48 KELLY ISLAND RD, MARTINSBURG, WV 25401, (304) 263-8821) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.
I CAME TO VISIT MY SON FOR A SPRING BREAK IN WEST VIRGINIA AND I HAVE NOTICED/HEATED A VERY LOUD NOISE. I ASKED MY SON WHAT IS THAT LOUD NOISE? I MADE AN OCULAR INSPECTION UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND VERY ROTTEN CONDITION SUB-FRAMES. I IMMEDIATELY VERY WORRIED AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST CAR SERVICE REPAIR TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE …
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I CAME TO VISIT MY SON FOR A SPRING BREAK IN WEST VIRGINIA AND I HAVE NOTICED/HEATED A VERY LOUD NOISE. I ASKED MY SON WHAT IS THAT LOUD NOISE? I MADE AN OCULAR INSPECTION UNDER THE CAR AND FOUND VERY ROTTEN CONDITION SUB-FRAMES. I IMMEDIATELY VERY WORRIED AND TOOK THE CAR TO THE NEAREST CAR SERVICE REPAIR TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE ROTTEN SUB-FRAMES. I NOTICED THE CAR WAS VERY UNSTABLE WHILE DRIVING TO THE SHOP EVEN AT A LOW SPEED. THE MECHANIC EMMEDIATELY CONCLUDED THAT THE SUB-FRAMED IS SO ROTTEN AND WORRIED IT WOULD COLLAPSE. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE SUB/FRAMES BE REPLACED. THE MECHANICS CALLED PART SUPPLIER TO ORDER NEEDED SUB-FRAME PARTS. THE MECHANIC WAS TOLD MY CAR HAS A RECALL FOR SUB-FRAMES AND SUGGESTED TO BRING MY CAR TO THE NEAREST DODGE SERVICE CENTER IN MORGANTOWN WEST VIRGINIA. AGAIN IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING DRIVING THE CAR TO URSE FIDGE AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER. I DISCOVERED THAT MY CAR HAS TWO RECALLS: S60 AND X69. I LEFT MY CAR ST DODGE SERVICE FOR NECESSARY REPAIR. I TOLD THEM THAT THE CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. ANOTHER ISSUE WITH THE CAR IS THE ENGINE LOSING POWER WHILE MY SON WAS DRIVING TO WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY. I WAS DRIVING AND FOLLOWING MY SON'S AND SUDDENLY HE DROVE HIS CAR ALONG THE SIDE ROAD. I THOUGHT HE WAS JUST RESTING BUT FOUND LATER WHEN ARRIVED ST THE UNIVERSITY THAT THE CAR SLOWED DOWN ALONG I-68. THIS REALLY CONVENED ME ALSO BECAUSE IT IS LIFE THREATENING. THE THIRD ISSUE I EXPRIENCED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, IS THE BRAKE. BREAK BOUNCED BACK AND DOESN'T STOPPED INSTANTLY. THIS REALLY CONCERNED ME SI MUCH ALSO. IT'S A SAFETY HAZARD. AFTER EXPERIENCING THE SAFETY CONCERN OF THIS CAR WHICH CAN CAUSE LIVES. I'M REALLY AFRAID DRIVING THIS CAR. I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND THAT DODGE COMPANY MUST NEED TO BUY-OUT THE CARS THAT ARE OUT THERE TO PREVENT INJURIES AND PRESERVE LIVES.
TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, TIRE ROTATION WAS INFORMED FRONT CROSS MEMBER COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, ALSO BOTH REAR UPPER LATERAL LINKS AND BOTH REAR TOE LINKS AND BOLTS ARE LOOSE AND WORN . MY CAR HAS 68,000 MILES ON IT COST FOR THIS REPAIR 1,360 DOLLARS . I AM ON LIMITED DISABILITY WHY DOESN'T AUTO MAKER…
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TOOK CAR INTO DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE OIL CHANGE, TIRE ROTATION WAS INFORMED FRONT CROSS MEMBER COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH, ALSO BOTH REAR UPPER LATERAL LINKS AND BOTH REAR TOE LINKS AND BOLTS ARE LOOSE AND WORN . MY CAR HAS 68,000 MILES ON IT COST FOR THIS REPAIR 1,360 DOLLARS . I AM ON LIMITED DISABILITY WHY DOESN'T AUTO MAKERS RECALL THIS, AS THEY DID THE OTHER YEARS? I AM TOLD IT IS BECAUSE THEY DON'T FEEL RESPONSIBLE AS I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND THE SALT DOES THIS. THEN WHY HAVEN'T THEY MADE THE PARTS TO HANDLE THIS ISSUE OR SHOULD SOUTHERN STATES JUST BUY THEM AND MANUFACTURES OFF SCOTT FREE . I CANNOT AFFORD THIS . ALSO MY OIL PAN IS RUSTING OUT BUT NOT LEAKING. AM I FORCED TO TRADE IN A DIFFERENT STYLE VEHICLE FROM DIFFERENT MANUFACTURE? LIKELY [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Official recalls
216V668000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seat Belts:pretensioner
Sep 15, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Seat Belts:pretensioner
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
Air Bags
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010 Chrysler Sebring, 2010-2012 Dodge Caliber and 2010-2014 Jeep Patriot, Compass and Dodge Avenger vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags from deploying in the event of a crash.
Consequence: If the frontal air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and side air bags are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the OCR, free of charge. Interim letters informing owners that parts are not available yet were mailed on October 26, 2016. The recall began on August 15, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S61.
11V315000 · Steering:column
Jun 8, 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP WRANGLER, CHRYSLER 200, CHRYSLER 200 CONVERTIBLE, DODGE AVENGER, DODGE NITRO, JEEP LIBERTY, DODGE CALIBER, JEEP COMPASS, JEEP PATRIOT, DODGE GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED STEERING COLUMN PIVOT RIVET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A MISSING OR INCORRECTLY INSTALLED RIVET COULD COMPROMISE THE ABILITY OF THE STEERING COLUMN TO SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT LOADS IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL CRASH, DECREASING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FRONTAL IMPACT SAFETY SYSTEM. AS A RESULT, THE CONDITION MAY INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR INJURY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR RIVET PRESENCE AND ALIGNMENT AND REPAIR THE STEERING COLUMN PIVOT AS REQUIRED, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 4, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE19014 · 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.