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1996 Dodge Caravan

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Caravan years

Owner complaints for the 1996 Dodge Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 182.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 119 of 1,403 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

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 251 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 215 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 215 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

57 crash reports47 fire reports38 injury reports

Power Train complaints

185 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 1999
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower Train

WHILE DRIVING ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO OPERATE WITH NO ELECTRIC COMPONENTS WORKING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED REPLACED TRANSMISSION, STABILIZER SOCKETS, BRAKES AND BATTERY, LATCHES ON DOORS, HATCH REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. AK

NHTSA ODI #840343

Mileage unknown · Jun 8, 1999
Power TrainCrashInjury

OUR 2 1/2 YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE WITHOUT PRESSING ON BRAKE PEDAL, CAUSING THE CAR TO MOVE FORWARD AND CRASH INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #707327

Mileage unknown · May 11, 1999
Power Train

WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN REVERSE VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARD FOR ABOUT SIX INCHES AND WILL COMPLETLY STOP AFTER THAT. WHEN VEHICLE IS IN NEUTRAL, VEHICLE WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. DELAER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #837726

Mileage unknown · May 7, 1999
Power TrainInjury

DESIGN OF VEHICLES INTERLOCK SYSTEM MADE 2 YEAR OLD CHILD ABLE TO INSRT KET, START CAR, PUT IT INTO GEAR RESULTIN INN THE CAR RUNNING INTO HOUSE. NLM

NHTSA ODI #545372

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 1999
Power Train

REVERSE IS OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION IT WON'T GO IN REVERSE, CONTACTED MANFACTUER, THEY SAID OUT OFF WARRANTY, TOO BAD, I THINK FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT. THIS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED OUT . I OWN A $14,000.00 VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE. IT IS GOING TO COST M…

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REVERSE IS OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION IT WON'T GO IN REVERSE, CONTACTED MANFACTUER, THEY SAID OUT OFF WARRANTY, TOO BAD, I THINK FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO GO OUT THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT. THIS NEEDS TO BE CHECKED OUT . I OWN A $14,000.00 VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T EVEN DRIVE. IT IS GOING TO COST ME $1,000.00 TO GET THIS THING FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #706054

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 1999
Power Train

I PURCHASED THIS NEW VEHICLE 3/99. I DON'T FEEL IT IS FAIR TO PAY SO MUCH FOR A NEW CAR ONLY TO HAVE SUCH A MAJOR COMPONENT BREAK AFTER 3 YEARS. IN 2/99 I TOOK THE CR TO THE DEALERS FOR THE ANNUAL INSPECTION, AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED $2,000.00 IN REPAIRS. ONE OF THE REPAIRS WAS TO SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT STARTED TO …

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I PURCHASED THIS NEW VEHICLE 3/99. I DON'T FEEL IT IS FAIR TO PAY SO MUCH FOR A NEW CAR ONLY TO HAVE SUCH A MAJOR COMPONENT BREAK AFTER 3 YEARS. IN 2/99 I TOOK THE CR TO THE DEALERS FOR THE ANNUAL INSPECTION, AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED $2,000.00 IN REPAIRS. ONE OF THE REPAIRS WAS TO SERVICE THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE IT STARTED TO JUMP WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHOM I PAID $1,400.00 FOR THE WORK. A FEW WEEKS LATER, WE WERE TAKING A 150 MILE TRIP ONE WAY TO TAKE MY NEPHEW BACK TO SCHOOL. WE GOT THERE AND 50MILES INTO THE RETURN TRIP I WAS ON THE PA TURNPIKE WHEN I HEARD WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A SIREN. WE LOOKED AROUND AND SAW NO FLASHING LIGHTS. WE STARTED UP AN INCLINE AND THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN. AS IT DID, THE SOUND OF THE SIREN ALSO STARTED TO DEMINISH AND I REALIZED THAT THE SIREN WE HEARD WAS COMING FROM MY CAR. WE WERE 100 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED BACK TO PHILADELPHIA. IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS, AND AFTER HE HAD TIME TO CHECK THE PROBLEM OUT, I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD COST ME $1,200.00. I AM CURRENTLY WITHOUT A CAR, AND STILL OWE $10,000.00 ON THIS VEHICLE. I DO NOT SEE THE JUSTICE IN HAVING TO PAY FOR A BRAND NEW CAR, ONLY TO HAVE SUCH A MAJOR COMPONENT GIVE AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS ON THE ROAD. FOR THAT, I WOULD HAVE TAKEN MY CHANCES WITH A USED CAR. MY MECHANIC INFORMS ME THAT HE HAS SEEN NUMEROUS DODGE VEHICLES COME INTO HIS SHOP WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. HE TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A BAND IN THE TRANSMISSION THAT SNAPPED, AND HE HAS SEEN THIS SORT OF PROBLEM ON OTHER OCCASIONS WITH DODGE PRODUCTS. THIS IS MY SECOND TIME CONTACTING YOU REGARDING THIS PROBLEM, AND I WOULD APPRECIATE A RESPONSE. THERE HAS TO BE A WAY TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER FROM THIS SORT OF THING. I ONLY BUY US CARS SO THAT I CAN HELP IN THE EFFORT TO KEEP AMERICA WORKING. IF I HAVE TO JUST LIVE WITH THIS LOSS, THEN I MAY HAVE TO RETHINK MY NEXT PURCHASE VERY HARD. *A

NHTSA ODI #705358

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 1999
Power Train

DIFFERENTIAL BLEW UP . PIN BLEW THROUGH THE TRANSMISSION INTO SPIDER GEARS - LEFT TWO HOLES THE SIZE OF A FIST IN THE CASE.PIN BROKE INTO THREE PIECES - MECHANIC FOUND PIECES IN TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #705253

Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 1999
Power Train

TRANSMISSION GAVE OUT WITH OUT WARNING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #704904

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 1999
Power TrainCrash

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT AND ANOTHER VEHICLE SLIGHTLY BUMPED THE CARAVAN, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL BACK 3 CAR LENGTHS, RESULTING IN DAMAGES, AND MAY HAVE CAUSED INJURIES. MANUFACTURER NOT NOTIFIED AS OF YET. *AK

NHTSA ODI #835565

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 1999
Power Train

TRANSMISSION CATASTROPHICALLY FAILED, PARTS PENETRATED THE CAST IRON CASING, DESTROYING IT.

NHTSA ODI #703978

Official recalls

9

02V293000 · Air Bags:frontal

Nov 7, 2002

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN WOUND INCORRECTLY DURING THE VEHICLE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.

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 VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON THIS COMPONENT FOR ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES, REGARDLESS OF MILEAGE. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 18, 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.

00V268000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System

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.

99V216000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 9, 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE INTERFACE OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A FUEL LEAK OCCURS IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP MODULE ATTACHING NUT WITH A NUT THAT INCLUDES TIGHTER DESIGN TOLERANCES. THE SEALING O-RING WILL ALSO BE REPLACED.

98V185000 · Child Seat

Aug 6, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED CHILD SEATS. THE SHOULDER HARNESS RESTRAINT ON THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT CAN BECOME DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT WHEN THE SAFETY BELT LATCH PLATE BECOMES CONTAMINATED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING A CHILD FROM THE RESTRAINT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CLEAN THE LATCH MECHANISM. AN EXTENDER WILL BE ADDED TO THE EMERGENCY RELEASE ANCHOR FOR THE CHILD SEAT SAFETY BELTS SO THAT THE RELEASE CLIPS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE OPERATOR IN THE EVENT THAT THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. IN ADDITION, AN INSTRUCTIONAL OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT CARD WILL BE PROVIDED.

96V136000 · Seat Belts:integrated Child Seat

Jul 18, 1996

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULES TO THE SEAT FRAME CAN BREAK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE CHILD SEAT MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INTEGRATED CHILD SEAT MODULE BOLTS.

96V002000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Jan 16, 1996

A STATIC ELECTRIC CHARGE CAN BUILD UP ON THE UNGROUNDED METAL SECTION OF THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A SPARK TO OCCUR WHEN FUELING THE VEHICLE AND POSSIBLY IGNITE THE FUEL VAPORS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A GROUND STRAP FOR THE FUEL FILLER TUBE.

96V006000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Jan 11, 1996

IN CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG DOES NOT SEAL PROPERLY AND ENGINE CYLINDER HEAD OIL IS NOT ADEQUATELY RETAINED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: INADEQUATE SEALING AND RETENTION OF THE PLUG CAN RESULT IN OIL LEAKAGE WHICH COULD CAUSE A FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN EXPANSION PLUG AND RETAINING BRACKET OVER THE CYLINDER HEAD OIL GALLEY PLUG.

95V236000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Dec 8, 1995

THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE CAN ALLOW FUEL TO PASS INTO THE VAPOR CANISTER RESULTING IN THE POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LEAKAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE INCREASES THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE WITH A FILLER TUBE THAT HAS AN ADDITIONAL ROLLOVER VALVE. THE ASSOCIATED ROLLOVER VALVE VAPOR HOSES WILL BE REROUTED.

95V225000 · Seats

Nov 28, 1995

THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE REAR BENCH SEATS TO THE SEAT RISERS MAY BE EMBRITTLED AND FRACTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE BOLT MAY FAIL AND CAN CAUSE THE SEAT TO BREAK AWAY FROM THE SEAT RISERS, WHICH INCREASES THE POTENTIALOF INJURY TO ITS OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR BENCH SEAT TO RISER BOLTS.

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

14

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

PE00032 · Air Bag Clockspring

Opened Aug 8, 2000 · Closed Feb 21, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags

There is no summary currently available

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

EA97002 · Fuel Tank Leaks

Opened Jan 31, 1997 · Closed Feb 10, 1998

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS WAS OPENED ON JANUARY 31, 1997 BASED ON INFORMATION GATHERED DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), PE96-051. THE PE WAS OPENED ON AUGUST 19, 1996, TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE AREA WHERE THE FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT JOINS THE FUEL TANK.FOR BREVIDY, THIS AREA WILL BE REFERRED TO AS THE PUMP/TANK INTERFACE.THESE ALLEGATIONS WERE FIRST RECEIVED BY ODI ON AUGUST 2, 1996 WHILE INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS OF CHRYSLER MINIVAN THROTTLE SHAFT HAND-UP, AND UNCONTROLLED ENGINE SPEED, IN PE96-036.WHILE DISCUSSING THAT ISSUE WITH A FLEET, IT WAS ALLEGED THAT AT LEAST 10(OUT OF 40) 1996 EARLY PRODUCTION CHRYSLER MINIVANS LEAKED FUEL FROM THE PUMP/TANK INTERFACE.ANALYSIS OF THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA INDICATE FUEL TANK LEAKAGE INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES PREDOMINATLY AFFECTED EARLY PRODUCTION VEHICLES.THE DATA INVOLVING CONFIRMED INCIDENTS OF TANK/PUMP INTERFACE LEAKS SUGGEST THAT THOSE FAILURES HAVE BEEN DECLINING SINCE JULY 1996.ODI HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS OF THE SUBJECT CONDITION INVOLVING ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PUMPS AND TANKS SINCE SEPTEMBER, 1997.CURRENTLY THIS ISSSUE DOES NOT REQRESENT A CONTINUING FIELD CONCERN.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES FOR FUEL LEAKS OF ANY TYPE.A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURED DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.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.

EA97003 · Integrated Child Seat Belt Lockup

Opened Jan 31, 1997 · Closed Aug 19, 1998

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Child Seat

THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Child Seat

THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.

Child Seat

THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.CHRYSLER CORPORATION HAS SUBMITTED A DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT IDENTIFYING A SAFETY DEFECT AND OUTLINING THE PROPOSED REMEDY.RECALL NUMBER 98V-185 HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THIS SAFETY RECALL.

DP96014 · Defective Air Bag Crash Sensor

Opened Nov 14, 1996 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE

CFAS SENT A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON DECEMBER 12, 1996, TO CHANGE THE INTENT OF THE PETITION TO AIRBAG AGGRESSIVITY AND DEPLOYMENT VARIABILITY.NHTSA RECEIVED THE LETTER ON 12/12/96; ACCORDINGLY, THE PETITION DUE DAY WAS CHANGED TO APRIL 12, 1997.CFAS PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS FOR THE 1991-92 CHEVROLET CORSICA/BERETTA, 1990-92 FORD TAURUS, AND 1994-96 CHRYSLER MINIVANS ARE DEFECTIVE.CFAS ALLEGE THAT INFORMATION ON LOW SPEED CRASHES HERE OCCUPANTS HAVE SUFFERED FATAL INJURIES SUGGESTS [THAT THE ABOVE VEHICLES] HAVE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG CRASH SENSOR AND/OR DEPLOYMENT SYSTEMS.

EA96025 · Sliding Door Latch Failure

Opened Oct 15, 1996 · Closed Jul 30, 1998

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

ANALYSIS OF KNOWN INCIDENTS INDICATES A DECLINING TREND OVER THE LAST FIVE CALENDAR QUARTERS.EXTENSIVE TESTING OF INCIDENT VEHICLES HAS FAILED TO REPRODUCE OCCURRENCES OF FULL LATCH DISENGAGEMENT.NO FAILURE MODE WHICH COULD CAUSE A PROPERLY LATCHED DOOR TO LOSE FULL LATCH ENGAGEMENT WHILE DRIVING HAS BEEN VERIFIED AS A CAUSAL FACTOR IN ANY OF THE KNOWN INCIDENT VEHICLES DURING THIS INVESTIGATION.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.HOWEVER, ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINT INPUT FOR THE NEXY YEAR AND WILL REQUEST UPDATED REPORTS FROM CHRYSLER DURING THAT PROCESS.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.

SQ96016 · Integrated Child Seat Belt Lockup

Opened Sep 18, 1996 · Closed Feb 4, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:integrated Child Seat

ODI CONTINUES TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING LATCHING/RETRACTOR MECHANISM PROBLEMS.CHRYSLER'S ASSESSMENT OF THE PROBLEM INDICATES THAT OWNERS OF THE VEHICLES ARE NOT ADHERING TO THE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SEAT.THE SEAT APPEARS TO MALFUNCTION IF CRUMBS OF FOOD OR BEVERAGE RESIDUE ACCUMULATES ON THE LATCHING TONGUE IN THEWELL LOCATED BETWEEN THE CHILD'S LEGS.ODI HAS 19 COMPLAINTS OF RETRACT LOCKUP.SEVEN OF THESE COMPLAINTS REPORT CUTTING THE STRAPS TO REMOVE THE CHILD.TWO OF THE SEVEN CONSUMERS ALLEGE THE CHILD WAS CHOKING.CHRYSLER REPORTS 60 OWNER/FIELD REPORTS WHICH INDICATED 19 HARNESSES WERE CUT TO REMOVE THE CHILDREN.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NEEDED TO FULLY ASSESS THE SAFETY CONSEQUENCE OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AND TO EVALUATE THE CHRYSLER CORPORATION'S RATIONAL FOR NOT CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN.

PE96051 · Fuel Leaks From The Gas Tank

Opened Aug 19, 1996 · Closed Jan 31, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

ANALYSIS TO DATE INDICATES THAT SOME OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLESCONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE FUEL LEAKS FROM THE FUEL TANK AT THE SENDING UNIT INTERFACE.MOST OFTEN THE LEAK INVOLVES THE O-RING SEAL.

PE96038 · Sliding Door Latch Failure

Opened May 16, 1996 · Closed Oct 15, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

CHRYSLER MAINTAINS THAT THE COMMON FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO KNOWN SLIDING DOOR OPENING INCIDENTS IS PRIOR INCORRECT DEALER LATCH ADJUSTMENT.CHRYSLER ATTRIBUTES THIS PROBLEM TO AN INACCURATE SERVICE MANUAL PROCEDURE - SLIDING DOOR LATCH/LOCK CONTROL, REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION.CHRYSLER FURNISHED INFORMATION SHOWING THAT SIX OF ITS COMPLAINTS, AND TWO OF ODI'S, INVOLVED VEHICLES THAT HAD UNDERGONE PRIOR REPAIRS TO THE AFFECTED SLIDING DOOR.CHRYSLER HAS ADDRESSED THE PROBLEM BY ISSUING TWO TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS.TSB 26-06-96, SERVICE MANUAL REVISIONS, WAS ISSUED IN JUNE 1996 AND INCLUDES A SERVICE REVISION (#81-370-6105A) CORRECTING SERVICE MANUAL SLIDING DOOR REPAIR PROCEDURES.TSB 23-39-96, SLIDING DOOR(S) DIFFICULT TO OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AND/OR INSIDE, WAS ISSUED JUNE 28, 1996.CHRYSLER IDENTIFIED THREE DESIGN CHANGES INVOLVING THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS: (1)SLIDING DOOR LATCH PAWL SPRING FORCE INCREASED FROM 5.4 NEWTONS TO 8.0 NEWTONS IN SEPTEMBER 1995 TO ENHANCE PAWL ROTATION RETURN TO NEUTRAL POSITION; (2)ADJUSTABLE SLIDING DOOR HINGE IMPLEMENTED IN NOVEMBER 1995 TO REDUCE VARIATION IN SLIDING DOOR FIT; AND(3)SLIDING DOOR STRIKER ATTACHMENT HOLES REVISED IN JANUARY 1996 TO ELIMINATE UP/DOWN ADJUSTMENT OF STRIKER TO IMPROVE INSTALLATION PROCESS AND REDUCE VARIABILITY OF ALIGNMENT BETWEEN LATCH AND STRIKER.AT PRESENT, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY INCIDENTS INVOLVING VEHICLES BUILT IN OR AFTER JANUARY 1996.ODI HAS CONTINUED TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS OF SLIDING DOORS OPENING WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE IN MOTION, INCLUDING VEHICLES WITH NO PRIOR SERVICE HISTORY TO THE AFFECTED SLIDING DOOR ASSEMBLY.OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THE DOORS OPEN ANYWHERE FROM A FEW INCHES TO FULLY OPEN, AT SPEEDS RANGING FROM 15 TO 60 MPH.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED NUMBEROUS COMPLAINTS ALLEGING DIFFICULTY IN LATCHING THE SUBJECT SLIDING DOORS AND/OR DIFFICULTY IN OPENING ONE OR BOTH SLIDING DOORS.

PE96008 · Safety Blt Latch Operation

Opened Jan 25, 1996 · Closed Jun 28, 1996

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts

There is no summary currently available

PE95053 · Fuel Leakeage From Rollover Valve

Opened Oct 25, 1995 · Closed Dec 22, 1995

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control

There is no summary currently available