IllustrationI HAVE A 2011 DODGE CALIBER AND IT JUST TURNED OVER 100,000 MILES. WAS DRIVING HOME FORM WORK AND STARTED TO MAKE A NOISE. I TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE AND TOLD ME THE BEARINGS IN THE TRANSMISSION OUR GOING OUT. IT IS A 5 SPEED
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 reportsI GOT MY OIL CHANGE DONE AT 67,000 MILES AND SINCE THEN MY CAR JERKS AND FEELS WEIRD WHEN I DRIVE IT. I'M WORRIED THAT IT MAY STALL ON ME WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR CITY AND THAT'S DANGEROUS FOR MY KIDS AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE TRANSMISSION AS IT'S MADE BY NISSAN AND NISSAN HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH TH…
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I GOT MY OIL CHANGE DONE AT 67,000 MILES AND SINCE THEN MY CAR JERKS AND FEELS WEIRD WHEN I DRIVE IT. I'M WORRIED THAT IT MAY STALL ON ME WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY OR CITY AND THAT'S DANGEROUS FOR MY KIDS AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE TRANSMISSION AS IT'S MADE BY NISSAN AND NISSAN HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THEIR CVTS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE PULLED IN WHATEVER DIRECTION THE TIRES TURNED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE DEPRESSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CALIBER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOWER SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE PULLED IN WHATEVER DIRECTION THE TIRES TURNED. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR PEDALS WERE DEPRESSED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V668000 (AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.
ON MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AS USUAL, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FLASH A BUNCH OF LIGHTS. THEN SHUT OFF. MY RPM WENT UP AND THEN DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER FOR SAFELY THIS TIME. BUT IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I'VE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER HAS SAT IN …
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ON MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER, I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AS USUAL, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FLASH A BUNCH OF LIGHTS. THEN SHUT OFF. MY RPM WENT UP AND THEN DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER FOR SAFELY THIS TIME. BUT IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER I'VE GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF IT. MY 2011 DODGE CALIBER HAS SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD FOR SEVERAL MINUTES TO SEVERAL HOURS. SOMETIME I CAN START IT BACK UP IN JUST A FEW MINUTES AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES HOURS. HAD TO GET IT TOWED A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF IT. MISSED SEVERAL DAYS OF WORK AND WHEN I DO GET RIDES I'M ALWAYS LATE. ON THE EDGE OF GETTING FIRED BECAUSE I NOT RELIABLE ANYMORE SINCE I CANT CONTROL WHEN I GET THERE. GOT IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP THE BRAIN WASNT WORKING FOR AWHILE ONCE THE BRAIN CONNECTED TO THERE COMPUTER HE,FIXED WHAT THEY WAS WRONG WIRES AND CLEANED UP THE ENGINE. IT STARTED SO HE ASSUMED IT WAS FIXED. BUT I DIDNT EVEN HAVE IT FOR MORE THEN A DAY AND IT STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. BUT THIS TIME LIGHTNING BOLT CAME ON. DID RESEARCH FOUND OUT IT WAS ETC ELECTRIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM. ALSO JUST LOOKING IT UP THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM VARIOUS SIGHTS ABOUT THE SAME THING. I'VE SEEN ABOUT 1000 PLUS COMPLAINS. THIS DEFIANTLY IS AN ISSUE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR. RECALL SHOULD BE IN ORDER. ALREADY PUT IN A LOT OF MONEY INTO IT FOR THE ISSUE NOT EVEN BEING FIXED. I'M NOT SURE WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL YET. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE FOR THAT MATTER MY RESEARCH HAS SAID NOT TO DRIVE AT ALL STRONGLY RECOMMEND IT BEING TOWED TO A SHOP. VERY DANGEROUS FOR YOU AND OTHER DRIVERS. SINCE FOUND OUT THE PROBLEM CAR HASNT BEEN JUST SITTING IN DRIVEWAY. HIGHLY RECOMMEND INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL TO COME OUT SOONER THEN LATER.
MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2011 CALIBER BACK FROM COLLEGE ON ST RT 14. AS SHE WENT TO TURN RIGHT ONTO OUR ROAD,THE TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE BUCKLED UNDER. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER BROKE.THE REASON FOR THIS WAS THE METAL HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY FROM DEFECTIVE METAL. WE WERE NEVER ISSUED A NOTICE OF THIS P…
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MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 2011 CALIBER BACK FROM COLLEGE ON ST RT 14. AS SHE WENT TO TURN RIGHT ONTO OUR ROAD,THE TIRE ON DRIVER SIDE BUCKLED UNDER. IT WAS LATER DETERMINED THAT THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER BROKE.THE REASON FOR THIS WAS THE METAL HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY FROM DEFECTIVE METAL. WE WERE NEVER ISSUED A NOTICE OF THIS POTENTIAL DANGEROUS DEFECT. NO RECALL WAS ISSUED ONLY AN EXTENSION OF THE CARS WARRANTY, WHICH AGAIN WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. THE DAMAGE WAS EXTENSIVE,TIRES WERE DESTROYED,FRONT CROSSMEMBER WAS REPLACED, FRONT AXLEAND REPLACED,LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM REPLACED,FLANGE HEAD AND SHAFT-AXLE HALF REPLACED. BECAUSE THIS WAS A WARRANTY ISSUE AND NOT A RECALL,WE HAD TO PAY FOR MOST OF THE DAMAGE OUT OF POCKET.WHICH HAD WE KNOWN ABOUT PROBLEM WE WOULD HAVE HAD REPAIRED. UPON THIS HAPPENING WE HAVE NOTIFIED EVERYONE WE KNOW THAT OWN THIS VEHICLE. OF THE ONES THAT HAVE HAD THERE CARS INSPECTED ALL ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME METAL RUSTING IN DIFFERENT STAGES. THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.HAD MY DAUGHTER BEEN GOING THE SPEED LIMIT [70 MPH] AND THIS HAPPENED MY DAUGHTER WOULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR EVEN KILLED! I AM NOW PUTTING DODGE AND YOU ON NOTICE OF THIS DEFECT, SO THAT IF JUST ONE PERSON GETS KILLED BECAUSE OF THIS,THEY HAVE LEGAL RECOURSE.
AS I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 70 TO 75 THE CAR SUDDENLY START LOOSING SPEED TO THE POINT I NEED TO PUT MY BLINK AND STOP IN THE SIDE OF THE ROOD, THEN I HAVE TO TURN IT OF AND TURN IT BACK ON AND START HEADING, THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. ON A TRIP OF A DISTANCE OF 90 MILES I HAVE TO DO THAT LIKE 3 TIMES. ITS D…
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AS I AM ON THE HIGHWAY AND TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 70 TO 75 THE CAR SUDDENLY START LOOSING SPEED TO THE POINT I NEED TO PUT MY BLINK AND STOP IN THE SIDE OF THE ROOD, THEN I HAVE TO TURN IT OF AND TURN IT BACK ON AND START HEADING, THIS HAPPENS REGULARLY. ON A TRIP OF A DISTANCE OF 90 MILES I HAVE TO DO THAT LIKE 3 TIMES. ITS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME THAT ARE TRAVELING AT THAT SAME SPEED CAN COME AND CRASH BEHIND ME.
DODGE RECALL # S61/NHTSA 16V-668 MY AIR BAG STARTED COMOING ON AND OFF EACH TIME WITH A AUDIO WARNING, GOT A MAILER "URGENT SAFETY RECALL" "FREE" REPAIR. SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT ITH GLENDALE DODGE GLENDALE CA. SERVICE PERSON SAID HE HAD TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TO VERIFY RECALL ELIGIBILITY, REPIR WAS MADE. THEN I WAS PRESENTED WI…
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DODGE RECALL # S61/NHTSA 16V-668 MY AIR BAG STARTED COMOING ON AND OFF EACH TIME WITH A AUDIO WARNING, GOT A MAILER "URGENT SAFETY RECALL" "FREE" REPAIR. SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT ITH GLENDALE DODGE GLENDALE CA. SERVICE PERSON SAID HE HAD TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TO VERIFY RECALL ELIGIBILITY, REPIR WAS MADE. THEN I WAS PRESENTED WITH A $ 150.00 CHARGE FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC (WHAT WAS FREE?) AND TOLD THAT THE RECALL WAS COMPLETED BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT AND WARNING WOULD CONTINUE, THAT WOU;D COST ME ANOTHER $ 712.00! THE AIRBAG LIGHT STILL COMES ON AND THE WARNING IS SOUNDED. MY FREE RECALL HAS COST ME $ 150.00 AND TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR WILL COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $ 712.00 . I HAD RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE PRIOR TO WARNING LIGHT ALARM SOUNDING, SO WHY AREN'T BOT ITEMS PART OF THE RECALL? [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
RE: RUSTED FRONT AND REAR CROSSMEMBER EXTENDED WARRANTY #23-012-14 T.S.B. 23-012-14 2011 DODGE CALIBER FALLS UNDER, AND QUALIFIES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBERS DUE TO RUST. HE DEALER HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO REPLACE THE CROSSMSMBERS. HOWEVER, DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $211 TO REPLACE ADDITIONAL PARTS THAT …
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RE: RUSTED FRONT AND REAR CROSSMEMBER EXTENDED WARRANTY #23-012-14 T.S.B. 23-012-14 2011 DODGE CALIBER FALLS UNDER, AND QUALIFIES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBERS DUE TO RUST. HE DEALER HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO REPLACE THE CROSSMSMBERS. HOWEVER, DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME $211 TO REPLACE ADDITIONAL PARTS THAT ARE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE CROSSMEMBERS, DUE TO SAID PARTS BEING DIFFICULT TO REMOVE AND RE-USE..
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED EVEN AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEYER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 DODGE CALIBER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND INDEPENDENTLY DECELERATED EVEN AFTER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEYER CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (200 RIDGEDALE AVE, MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
MY CAR SUDDENLY DECELERATES TO 2MPH WHEN ETC LIGHT COMES ON. IT HAPPENS ABOUT 5 TIMES A DAY AND I HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AND RESTART MY CAR. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AND I CANNOT EVEN DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY.
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.