IllustrationDRIVER REAR BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME TODAY. HAD FUEL RELAY SWITCH GO OUT BUT HAD IT REPLACED, FUEL PUMP WENT OUT HAD IT REPLACED. SOMEONE TOLD ME THE BRAKES SYSTEM IS UNDER RECALL.
2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Grand Caravan years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan are substantially higher than the model-year median of 284.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Caravan 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
380–25K
4725–50K
6350–75K
5475–100K
141100–150K
31150K+
374 reports with mileage · 209 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.
- Electrical System. Review the 336 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 118 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports14 fire reports8 injury reports
Service Brakes complaints
38 reportsWHEN WE FIST GOT THE VAN WE EXPERIENCED SOME ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF IT BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND WE WENT TO A RECOMMENDED MECHANIC. THEN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS WE HAD SOME ISSUES WITH THE MOTOR MOUNTS. ONCE AGAIN WE HAD TO REPLACE THEM AND THEN WE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRON…
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WHEN WE FIST GOT THE VAN WE EXPERIENCED SOME ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES. THE DEALERSHIP WAS SUPPOSED TO TAKE CARE OF IT BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AND WE WENT TO A RECOMMENDED MECHANIC. THEN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS WE HAD SOME ISSUES WITH THE MOTOR MOUNTS. ONCE AGAIN WE HAD TO REPLACE THEM AND THEN WE HAD SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONIC COMPUTER AND WE HAD TO RE-LEARN SOME OF THE ALREADY INSTALLED PROGRAMS. I WOULD LIKE FOR WHOEVER APPROVES THE RECALLS TO GO AHEAD AND APPROVE THE OTHER ISSUES BECAUSE FOR IT BEING A SIX YEAR OLD CAR IT DEFINITELY HAS MORE ISSUES THAN IT SHOULD.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED AFTER A STOP, SMOKE WAS NOTICED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE MOVED SLUGGISHLY…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ONCE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED AFTER A STOP, SMOKE WAS NOTICED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE BY THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ON THE DAY THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE MOVED SLUGGISHLY AS IF THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WERE ENGAGED, BUT IT WAS NOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO ATLANTA WEST CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (1251 THORNTON RD, LITHIA SPRINGS, GA 30122 (678) 534-7470), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH STICKING CALIPERS. TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE CALIPERS WERE NOT RELEASING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES, THE FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES, AND THE FRONT CALIPERS WERE REPLACED ONCE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
THE REAR BRAKES BURNING CAUSE BY THE CALIPERS HANGING UP. DEALER REPLACED LEFT REAR DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLED 2 NEW CALIPERS AND ADAPTERS AND PADS ONLY BECAUSE I WAS ON VACATION OUT OF STATE WHEN THE PROBLEM STARTED PRIOR TO 17000 MILES . CHARGED 100 DOLLAR DEDUCTABLE
AFTER ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP, MY BRAKES STARTED TO SCREECH A LITTLE. WITHIN DAYS, IT WAS A NON-STOP GRINDING. ON MY WAY TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE FOR BRAKE INSPECTION, SOMETHING FELL OFF OF THE VAN. THE REPAIRMEN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A CALIPER ISSUE AND THEY COULD NOT EVEN LET ME DRIVE OFF THE LOT WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAI…
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AFTER ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP, MY BRAKES STARTED TO SCREECH A LITTLE. WITHIN DAYS, IT WAS A NON-STOP GRINDING. ON MY WAY TO TAKE IT TO THE GARAGE FOR BRAKE INSPECTION, SOMETHING FELL OFF OF THE VAN. THE REPAIRMEN TOLD ME THAT IT WAS A CALIPER ISSUE AND THEY COULD NOT EVEN LET ME DRIVE OFF THE LOT WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WOULD BE THAT DANGEROUS. $774.00 LATER, I HAD TO HAVE CALIPERS, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, COMING TO A STOP, OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE FRONT BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS OFF FOR A WHILE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN. WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, COMING TO A STOP, OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE BRAKES SEIZED. THE FRONT BRAKES MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS OFF FOR A WHILE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000.
WE HAVE REPLACED THE ROTATORS AND PADS OUT OF POCKET 4 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE. ANOTHER TWO WERE REPLACED IN WARRANTY BEFORE 36,000MILE. THE FIRST REPAIR MADE OUT SIDE OF WARRANTY WAS AT 37,000MILES. THE CALIPERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BRAKES CLENCH DOWN AND WON'T RELEASE. WE HAVE REPLACE THE HOSES, CALIP…
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WE HAVE REPLACED THE ROTATORS AND PADS OUT OF POCKET 4 TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE. ANOTHER TWO WERE REPLACED IN WARRANTY BEFORE 36,000MILE. THE FIRST REPAIR MADE OUT SIDE OF WARRANTY WAS AT 37,000MILES. THE CALIPERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE BRAKES CLENCH DOWN AND WON'T RELEASE. WE HAVE REPLACE THE HOSES, CALIPERS, ROTATORS, PADS AND BLEED THE SYSTEM FOR ALL WHEELS IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS. THE BRAKES ARE CURRENTLY CLENCHED DOWN AND WON'T COME UP. THE MECHANIC NOW HAS TO GO INTO THE VEHICLE TO FIND WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG. BECAUSE HE HAS LOOKED AT THE WHOLE BRAKE SYSTEM AND CAN'T FIND WHAT IS WRONG. FIRST DATE OF OCCURRENCE IS 12-2013 FOR OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR ON A 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN
ON JUNE 30TH, 2016 MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I-91 IN MASSACHUSETTS BETWEEN EXITS 14 AND 15. THE REAR BRAKES BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED (~65 MPH) AND NOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. MINUTES LATER A THUMP WAS HEARD SIMILAR TO WHEN AN OBJECT OR ROADKILL IS RUN OVER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRES…
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ON JUNE 30TH, 2016 MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON I-91 IN MASSACHUSETTS BETWEEN EXITS 14 AND 15. THE REAR BRAKES BEGAN TO MAKE A NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED (~65 MPH) AND NOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. MINUTES LATER A THUMP WAS HEARD SIMILAR TO WHEN AN OBJECT OR ROADKILL IS RUN OVER. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. I COULD SEE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. WE LATER FOUND OUT THAT ONE BRAKE PAD HAD BROKEN THROUGH/BEEN THROWN FROM THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL, AND BRAKE FLUID WAS POURING OUT FROM THAT BRAKE ASSEMBLY. WE EXITED THE HIGHWAY AT EXIT 15 AND DROVE SMALL LOW-TRAFFIC ROADS HOME. DODGE WAS CONTACTED BUT REFUSED TO ASSIST IN TOWING THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR ASSESSMENT. WE REPLACED THE BRAKES, CALIPERS, AND ROTORS IN OUR DRIVEWAY. ATTACHED PHOTOS SHOW THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY BEFORE IT WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE FOR REPLACEMENT. THE CAR WAS THREE YEARS AND 10 MONTHS OLD, WITH ~48,660 MILES, AND ON ITS SECOND PAIR OF REAR BRAKE PADS. THIS IS AT LEAST THE 21ST COMPLAINT ON NHTSA ABOUT THE SAME COMPONENT (REAR BRAKE PADS ON 2012 GRAND CARAVAN WEARING TOO QUICKLY). DODGE REFUSED ASSISTANCE BOTH AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND AFTER I FOLLOWED UP WITH OUR DEALER, WITH NO REASON GIVEN FOR THE REFUSAL. (CASE #29615622) GIVEN THE MANY OFFICIAL AND HUNDREDS OF UNOFFICIAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2012 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN REAR BRAKES, I HOPE THE NHTSA WILL INVESTIGATE FURTHER AND PRESSURE DODGE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THIS PART. THANK YOU.
RUBBING NOISE IS COMING FROM BREAKS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IT STARTED WITH REAR BREAKS. WAS TOLD BREAKS ARE GETTING STUCK BY THE DEALER. REAR BREAKS WERE REPLACED AND PROBLEM WENT AWAY. FEW MONTHS LATER FRONT BRAKES STARTED MAKING SIMILAR NOISE. AGAIN TOLD BREAKS ARE GETTING STUCK. REPLACE THE BREAKS. NOISE CAME BACK WITH IN…
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RUBBING NOISE IS COMING FROM BREAKS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IT STARTED WITH REAR BREAKS. WAS TOLD BREAKS ARE GETTING STUCK BY THE DEALER. REAR BREAKS WERE REPLACED AND PROBLEM WENT AWAY. FEW MONTHS LATER FRONT BRAKES STARTED MAKING SIMILAR NOISE. AGAIN TOLD BREAKS ARE GETTING STUCK. REPLACE THE BREAKS. NOISE CAME BACK WITH IN A 3 WEEK. SO FAR THEY REPAIRED THE FRONT BREAKS 4 TIMES IN THE LAST 4 MONTHS. AFTER EVERY REPAIR, NOISE GOES AWAY FOR FEW WEEKS AND COMES BACK AGAIN.
BRAKE PADS, ROTORS & CALIPERS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES. CAR IS NOW AT 57,000 MILES. IF EVEN GENTLY USING THE BRAKES IN STOP & GO TRAFFIC BACKUP ON HIGHWAY, WHEN CAR NEEDS TO ACCELERATE, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES BADLY AND TROUBLE GETTING CAR UP TO SPEED. OBVIOUS THAT SOMETHING IS STICKING REGARDING THE BRAKES. WHEN FINA…
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BRAKE PADS, ROTORS & CALIPERS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED 3 TIMES. CAR IS NOW AT 57,000 MILES. IF EVEN GENTLY USING THE BRAKES IN STOP & GO TRAFFIC BACKUP ON HIGHWAY, WHEN CAR NEEDS TO ACCELERATE, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES BADLY AND TROUBLE GETTING CAR UP TO SPEED. OBVIOUS THAT SOMETHING IS STICKING REGARDING THE BRAKES. WHEN FINALLY UP TO SPEED, PROBLEM DISAPPEARS (60MPH). VERY FRIGHTENING & POTENTIAL SERIOUS ACCIDENT PROBLEM. I DRIVE LONG DISTANCES AT NIGHT TO & FROM WORK EVENTS & DON'T NEED TO BE STRANDED ON A DESERTED HIGHWAY SOMEWHERE AT MIDNIGHT. WHY HAS THERE BEEN NO RECALL ON A PROBLEM THAT EVERYONE, INCLUDING THE DODGE MECHANICS, KNOW ABOUT! THIS HAS BECOME AN ONGOING ISSUE, FIRST ON FEB. 14, THEN FEB. 16 AND AGAIN FEB. 26. REAR BRAKE PAD AFTER FEB. 14 WAS TOTALLY BURNED OFF ~ WAS REPLACED & STILL THE ISSUE IS OCCURRING, NOW ON THE FRONT BRAKES.
Official recalls
625V876000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility:wheelchair Restraints/securement:latch/anchor:
Dec 17, 2025
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
17V376000 · Air Bags:frontal
Jun 13, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T33.
14V234000 · Electrical System
May 7, 2014
Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 25, 2010, through October 31, 2013. The affected vehicles may experience overheating of the vent window switch in the driver's door armrest.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An overheated switch may result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vent window switch with a newer version, free of charge. The owner notification letter was issued and the remedy campaign launched on on December 31, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P25.
12V191000 · Equipment
May 2, 2012
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 9, 2012 THROUGH MARCH 12, 2012. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH A RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSOR THAT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, INCREASED FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED IN ORDER TO STOP THE POWER LIFTGATE DURING FINAL CLOSING STAGES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE POWER LIFTGATE DOOR MAY CLOSE ON AN APPENDAGE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE LIFTGATE PINCH SENSORS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
12V141000 · Suspension:rear
Apr 3, 2012
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TOWN AND COUNTRY AND DODGE GRAND CARAVAN VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLIES THAT WERE NOT FULLY MACHINED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN A DECREASE IN DURABILITY, WHICH MAY LEAD TO WHEEL SEPARATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIGHT REAR HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
11V487000 · Engine And Engine Cooling
Sep 29, 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 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
2PE19014 · 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.
DP14004 · Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
Opened Sep 25, 2014 · Closed Jul 24, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by CAS as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to the subject vehicles equipped with TIPM-7. Approximately 3 percent of CAS complaints are related to vehicles equipped with TIPM-6 and ODI?s review of these complaints did not identify any safety defect trends. ODI conducted a detailed review of complaints narratives submitted by CAS and consumers including careful analysis of vehicle repair histories, warranty claims obtained from the manufacturer and any available Customer Assistance Inquiry reports (CAIR). Analysis of the field data indicated that MY2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles exhibited significantly higher complaint rates related to fuel pump relay (FPR) failures than other subject vehicles. In a September 3, 2014 letter to NHTSA, Chrysler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the FPR within the TIPM-7 which can result in a no start or stall condition in approximately 188,723 model year (MY) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) and Dodge Durango (WD) vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010 through July 20, 2011 (14V-530).In a February 24, 2015 letter, Chrysler submitted a second DIR expanding the scope of the FPR defect condition to include an additional 338,216 MY 2012 through 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from September 17, 2010 through August 19, 2013 and MY 2012 through 2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 18, 2011 through August 19, 2013 (15V-115).ODI analysis of the CAS allegations of TIPM defects resulting in stall while driving, airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration, fire and other faults identified a single defect condition related to 1 of over 60 different circuits in the TIPM assembly. The most common effect of this defect condition, related to the fuel pump relay, was a no-start concern, but it could also result in stall while driving (76 complaints). No valid evidence was presented in support of claims related to airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration or fire resulting from TIPM faults and these claims were found to be wholly without merit based on review of the field data and design of the relevant systems and components.Except insofar as the petitioner's contentions relate to the defect condition addressed by the Chrysler recalls, the factual bases of the petitioner's contentions that any further investigation is necessary are unsupported. In our view, additional investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists or a NHTSA order for the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect as alleged by the petitioner at the conclusion of the requested investigation. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is den