AIRBAG COVER IS WARPED, AND AIR BAG MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER STATES SOMEONE FROM DOT CAME OUT AND TOOK PICTURES. *AK
1994 Dodge Intrepid
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 1994 Dodge Intrepid do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 377.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Intrepid 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
Limited mileage data: 34 of 718 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.
- Power Train. Review the 160 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
718 reportsTHE POWER STEERING IS EXTREMELY WEAK AND SLUGGISH, MAKING TURINING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD AND SOMETIMES EVEN DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM THAT ONLY SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE IN TERMS OF THE DIFFICULTY OF STEERING AND SLUGISHNESS OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN THE CAR'S WHEELS. MY MECHAN…
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THE POWER STEERING IS EXTREMELY WEAK AND SLUGGISH, MAKING TURINING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY HARD AND SOMETIMES EVEN DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM THAT ONLY SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE IN TERMS OF THE DIFFICULTY OF STEERING AND SLUGISHNESS OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN THE CAR'S WHEELS. MY MECHANIC INDICATES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT MANY OF THE DODGE INTREPIDS ARE EXPERIENCING AND IS BEING INVESTIGATED AS TO WHETHER A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED.
KEY WOULD GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. CONSUMER HAD TO PURCHASE AN ALARM SYSTEM DUE TO KEY WOULD STAY IN THE IGNITION FOR COUPLE OF DAYS STRAIGHT, IT WOULD EVENTUALLY COME OUT AFTER STRUGGLING WITH IT, AND PULLING IT OUT. *AK
NO SUMMARY
CONSUMER WAS EXPERIENCING STEERING TIRE ROD PROBLEM. LEFT TIE ROD WENT OUT 55,000, AND RIGHT TIE ROD WENT OUT AT 44,000. CONSUMER STATED THAT THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *AK
PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, CAR DOWNSHIFTS AND JOLTS THE CAR. WHEN STARTING UP FROM A STOP SIGN STOP, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN DOWNSHIFTING AND UP SHIFTING PREMATURELY AND CAUSE A SERIOUS WHIP LASH EFFECT TO DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. I HAD REPORTED THIS PROBLEM MANY TIMES T…
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PROBLEM OCCURS WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, CAR DOWNSHIFTS AND JOLTS THE CAR. WHEN STARTING UP FROM A STOP SIGN STOP, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD. THIS TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN DOWNSHIFTING AND UP SHIFTING PREMATURELY AND CAUSE A SERIOUS WHIP LASH EFFECT TO DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. I HAD REPORTED THIS PROBLEM MANY TIMES TO MY DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT (WOULD NOT) FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY HAVE JUST NOW ADMITTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD PURCHASED THE EXTENDED 7 YEAR, 70000 MILE WARRANTY PACKAGE. THIS PACKAGE WAS IN EFFECT THE MANY TIMES I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE PROBLEM. NOW THEY TELL ME THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY WITH TOO MANY MILES FOR THEM TO CONSIDER FIXING THE TRANSMISSION. MY ARGUMENT IS THAT I HAD REPORTED THIS PROBLE,M MANY TIMES WHILE IT WAS UNDER THE WARRANTY PACKAGE AND THEY DID NOT FIX IT THEN BECAUSE THEY COULDNN'T FIND THE PROBLEM. THE SAME PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR MOST OF THE YEARS THAT I OWNED THIS VEHICLE, AND I HAD COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS PRLOBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES. WHEN I TALKED TO CHRYSLER CUSTOMER RELATION, THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *AK
ONE MORNING WHILE SITTING IN MY CAR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT-BACK BROKE. THE SEAT-BACK BEGAN TO SAG BACKWARDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONTACTED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER VIA THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM. MY CAR WAS COVERED FOR A FREE REPAIR BECAUSE OTHER DODGE INTERPID OWNERS ARE HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM. …
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ONE MORNING WHILE SITTING IN MY CAR THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT-BACK BROKE. THE SEAT-BACK BEGAN TO SAG BACKWARDS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONTACTED DAIMLER-CHRYSLER VIA THEIR COMPUTER SYSTEM. MY CAR WAS COVERED FOR A FREE REPAIR BECAUSE OTHER DODGE INTERPID OWNERS ARE HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM. THOUGH MY REPAIR OF MY MOTERIZED DRIVER SIDE SEAT IS FREE, I FEEL THAT THIS COULD BE A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM. MY CAR WAS NOT MOVING WHEN THE SEAT BACK BROKE. HAD I BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR STOPPING QUICKLY I MAY HAVE HAD A MAJOR PROBLEM. DAIMLER-CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY ARE FIXING IT FOR FREE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS OF FREE REPAIRS PROVIDED BY DAIMLER-CHRYSLER. SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BACK FAILURE PROBLEM IN DODGE INTREPIDS.*AK
I HAVE HAD A BINDING AND CLUCK IN MY STEERING. I AM CONCERNED, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
DEALER HAS NOT CORRECTED RECALL IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.*AK
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLS UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. ALSO DOME LIGHT COMES ON UNEXPECTEDLY. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Official recalls
404V021000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
Jan 13, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FLOOR SHIFTER IGNITION-PARK INTERLOCK MAY FAIL AND ALLOW THE SHIFTER TO BE MOVED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION WITH THE KEY REMOVED. AN INOPERATIVE INTERLOCK MAY ALSO ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE SHIFTER HAS NOT BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: EITHER CIRCUMSTANCE MAY RESULT IN THE VEHICLE ROLLING AWAY WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOAD-LIMITING PUSH ROD INTO THE FLOOR SHIFTER LEVER OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 14, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
99V215000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Aug 9, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHING BRACKETS CAN CRACK DUE TO FATIGUE AND SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE CRADLE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION HALF-SHAFT COULD PULL OUT OF THE TRANSAXLE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REINFORCE THE ENGINE CRADLE AT THE POINT WHERE THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ATTACHES TO IT.
98V184000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
Aug 6, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES BUILT WITH 3.5L ENGINES. THE FUEL INJECTION DELIVERY SYSTEM CAN LEAK FUEL FROM SOME OF THE SEALING O-RINGS OR FROM HAIR LINE CRACKS IN THE THERMOSET FUEL INJECTION RAIL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL RAIL O-RINGS AND REINFORCE THE OUTLET (PASSENGER) SIDE FUEL RAIL. VEHICLES SHOWING FUEL LEAKAGE ON THE OUTLET FUEL RAIL MUST HAVE THE OUTLET RAIL REPLACED WHICH INCLUDES CHANGING THE UPPER AND LOWER INJECTOR O-RINGS. HOWEVER, IF A VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE O-RINGS OR FROM A CRACKED FUEL LINE, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO A DEALER TO HAVE THIS REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
94V024000 · Electrical System:wiring
Feb 8, 1994
THE RIGHT STEERING TIE ROD CAN RUB THROUGH THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH RESULTS IN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS INCLUDING ENGINE STALLING AND AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CAUSING STALLING WHILE IN MOTION OR AN INOPERATIVE PARK/STARTER INTERLOCK SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS ENGINE START WHILE THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT IN THE PARK POSITION, MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS BRACKET AND A PLASTIC CONVOLUTED SLEEVE TO PROTECT THE TRANSMISSION WIRING HARNESS.
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
14DP04007 · Fuel Rail, Brake Fluid, Chassis
Opened Oct 13, 2004 · Closed Oct 27, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid; Structure:frame And Members
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
Structure:frame And Members
ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2004, MR. ROBERT GALENTY OF ISELIN, NJ, PETITIONED THE AGENCY TO CONDUCT DEFECT INVESTIGATIONS OF CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1993-1997 VEHICLES PRODUCED BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.HIS PETITION IDENTIFIED THREE ISSUES OF CONCERN: 1) FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL INJECTOR RAILS; 2) BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION RESULTING IN BRAKE FAILURE; AND 3) SUSCEPTIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FRAME TO DAMAGE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING TOWED.MR. GALANTY ALLEGED THAT HIS 1996 DODGE INTREPID HAD EACH OF THESE THREE PROBLEMS.CONCERNING FUEL RAIL LEAKAGE, DAIMLERCHRYSLER COMMENCED A RECALL (98V-184) OF APPROXIMATELY 722,600 VEHICLES TO ADDRESS ENGINE FUEL RAIL LEAKS THAT COULD LEAD TO A FIRE, INCLUDING THOSE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION AND THE PETITIONER'S 1996 DODGE INTREPID.ON OCTOBER 7, 1998, NHTSA OPENED A RECALL QUERY INVESTIGATION (RQ98-018) TO EVALUATE THE ADEQUACY OF THE RECALL REMEDY.THAT INVESTIGATION WAS CLOSED ON JULY 8, 2002 WITHOUT REQUIRING FURTHER ACTION BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER.VERY RECENTLY, ON JUNE 9, 2004, NHTSA DENIED A PETITION (RP04-001) TO REOPEN RQ98-018 AFTER FINDING THAT THERE WAS NO NEW INFORMATION THAT WOULD INDICATE ANY BASIS FOR REOPENING IT.THIS IS STILL THE CURRENT POSITION OF NHTSA ON THIS ISSUE.CONCERNING BRAKE FLUID CONTAMINATION AND FRAME ALIGNMENT, A REVIEW OF NHTSA'S DATABASE SHOWS NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON EITHER ONE OF THESE ISSUES ON THE VEHICLES CITED IN THE PETITION.
EA03011 · Auto Trans IGNITION-PARK Interlock
Opened Jul 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:automatic Transmission
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:floor Shift
THE MANUFACTURER REPORTS ABOVE ARE BASED ON DAIMLERCHRYSLER?S (DC) ANALYSIS OF MODEL YEAR (MY) 1998 (POPULATION = 356,384) AND 1999 (POPULATION = 486,948) JA, JX AND LH FAMILY SUBJECT VEHICLE DATA (EARLIER MYS EXCLUDED).THE POPULATION NUMBER INCLUDES ALL MYS.THE PRECISE NUMBER OF DUPLICATES BETWEEN ODI AND DC REPORTS CANNOT BE DETERMINED DUE TO MISSING OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION.THE FATALITY INCIDENT INVOLVED AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO ATTEMPTED TO STOP A ROLL AWAY VEHICLE AND RECEIVED FATAL INJURIES.ODI ALSO GATHERED INFORMATION ON MY 1997-99 PROWLER VEHICLES IN THIS INVESTIGATION. THE PROWLER VEHICLES WERE MANUFACTURED WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN SHIFTER MECHANISM (THE SHIFT LEVER IS SHORTER).THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS OF PROWLER INTERLOCK FAILURE IN ODI?S DATABASE, AND DC HAS RECEIVED NO REPORTS EITHER.THE PROWLER IS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL SCOPE.THE INVESTIGATION INVOLVED A CONDITION WHERE THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM COULD FAIL (OR BE MADE INOPERATIVE BY THE OPERATOR) DURING VEHICLE USE, POSSIBLY INADVERTENTLY.THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM IS REQUIRED UNDER FMVSS 114.WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE IGNITION KEY OFF, THE COMBINED ACTION OF PRESSING THE SHIFT BUTTON AND PULLING THE SHIFT LEVER REARWARD MAY RESULT IN THE OPERATOR OVERCOMING THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM AND CAUSE THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE OF THE SYSTEM TO DISCONNECT.WHEN THIS OCCURS, THERE IS NO OVERT INDICATION TO AN OPERATOR THAT THE SYSTEM IS DEFEATED, AND AN INCREASED RISK OF VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY EXISTS.UNDER RECALL 04V021, DC WILL REPLACE DAMAGED SHIFT MECHANISMS, AND WILL INSTALL ON ALL VEHICLES A DEVICE WHICH INHIBITS THE OPERATOR?S ABILITY TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK AND DEFEAT THE SYSTEM.BEGINNING WITH MY 2000, DC INCORPORATED A BRAKE AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTER INTERLOCK (BTSI) SYSTEM INTO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.INTRODUCTION OF BTSI INVOLVED DESIGN CHANGES TO THE SHIFT MECHANISM, ONE OF WHICH RESULTED IN REDUCED MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE (RMA) OF THE SHIFT BUTTON.THE RMA SHIFTER REQUIRES INCREASED FORCES TO OVERCOME THE INTERLOCK SYSTEM, MAKING THE SHIFTER LESS SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE.
DP03002 · Steering Column Separation
Opened May 7, 2003 · Closed Jul 22, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:column
MR. LARRY A. SACKEY SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) BY LETTER DATED APRIL 18, 2003, REQUESTING THAT NHTSAFURTHER INVESTIGATE THE DEFECTIVE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING SHAFT SYSTEM ON 1987-1995 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY THE DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION.IN PART BECAUSE OF 49 CFR ? 30120(G), NHTSA HAS DECIDED TO LIMIT THE SCOPE OF THE PETITION VEHICLES TO 1993-1995 MODELS, EXCLUDING THE 1993 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND 1994-1995 DODGE RAM SERIES TRUCKS THAT WERE RECALLED (93V210 & 96V230) FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE.IF THE ANALYSIS OF THESE VEHICLES HAD IDENTIFIED A POTENTIAL PROBLEM, THE SCOPE COULD HAVE BEEN EXPANDED IN AN INVESTIGATION.A REVIEW OF ODI'S DATA BASE SHOWS NO RECENT COMPLAINTS AND A LACK OF A COMPLAINT TREND CONCERNING THE SUBJECT ISSUE ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AS A WHOLE OR BY INDIVIDUAL MODELS.THEREFORE, THE PETITION IS DENIED.FOR DETAILS, SEE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE VOLUME 68, NO. 130, JULY 8, 2003.
EA99031 · Steering System Rack And Pinion
Opened Oct 29, 1999 · Closed Sep 13, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
There is no summary currently available
PE99044 · Steering System Rack And Pinion
Opened Jun 28, 1999 · Closed Oct 29, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
SINCE OPENING THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE), ODI HAS RECEIVED 6 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS.DURING THE PE IT WAS DETERMINED MULTIPLE FAILURE MODES ARE INVOLVED IN THIS MATTER.THE WARRANTY CLAIM RATE IS HIGH FOR A STEERING SYSTEM CONCERN.THE ISSUES REPORTED INVOLVE PREMATURE WEAR OUT AT THE RACK AND PINION INTERFACE WITH THE INNER TIE ROD END(S), BINDING AND STICKING OF THE STEERING GEAR, CRACKED OR BROKEN TIE ROD ENDS, SHEARED RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY BOLTS, AND WEAR OUT OF THE RACK AND PINION MOUNT BUSHINGS.MANY OF THE COMPLAINANTS MENTION STEERING WONDER AND LOOSE STEERING.THREE OF THE MOST RECENT COMPLAINTS ALLEGE A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING DUE TO SHEARED BOLTS.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PE IN ORDER TO PERFORM A THOROUGH TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF THE VARIOUS SYSTEM FAILURE ALLEGATIONS AND TO QUANTIFY THE EFFECT THAT THESE FAILURES HAVE ON VEHICLE CONTROL.
EA98025 · Engine Cradle/control Arm Bracket Weld
Opened Dec 31, 1998 · Closed Aug 19, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
RQ98018 · Fuel Injection Delivery System Fuel Leak
Opened Oct 7, 1998 · Closed Jul 8, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
No summary supplied.
PE98044 · Engine Cradle/control Arm Bracket Weld
Opened Aug 11, 1998 · Closed Dec 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGED THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION WELD FAILS OR CRACKS CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE AND A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL
PE98022 · Rear Suspension Trailing Arm/bolt
Opened Apr 14, 1998 · Closed Aug 31, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
ALLEGED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING AND/OR ITS ATTACHMENT BOLT MAY FAIL, POSING A RISK OF LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND LOSS OF REAR SERVICE BRAKE OPERATION
EA98007 · Fuel Injector Assembly Leakage
Opened Mar 10, 1998 · Closed Feb 1, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System; Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System:fuel Rail
NITRILE RUBBER SEALS USED IN THE FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLIES OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AT THE SUPPLY, RETURN, AND CROSSOVER TUBE FITTINGS, AND AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR FAIL, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.ALSO, THE OUTLET (RIGHT) FUEL RAIL MAY LEAK FROM CRACKS AT CERTAIN MOLD GATES IN THE THERMOSET RAIL MATERIAL.CHRYSLER WILL RECALL THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND STATED THAT IT INTENDS TO REPLACE THE O-RINGS WITH FLUOROCARBON O-RING HAVING GREATER HEAT RESISTANCE CAPABILITY AND ATTACH REINFORCEMENTS TO THE RAIL IN THE AREAS WHERE THE CRACKING CONCERN HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCUR MOST FREQUENTLY.RAILS THAT ARE ALREADY CRACKED WILL BE REPLACED BY NEW, REINFORCED RAILS.
EA95028 · Underhood Fuel Leaks
Opened Sep 22, 1995 · Closed Feb 24, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WAARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.
EA95023 · Water In Defroster System
Opened Aug 31, 1995 · Closed Dec 31, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System
A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT (EA95-023)
EA94040 · Truck Lid Support Failure
Opened Nov 30, 1994 · Closed May 17, 1996
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
PE94056 · Trunk Lid Support Failure
Opened Jul 26, 1994 · Closed Nov 30, 1994
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure
There is no summary currently available
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