NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints
40 reportsClear category filter88,889 miles · Nov 16, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHILE KEY IS STILL ON,CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL TO GET OFF ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY VEHICLE STOP AND I GOT TO TURN KEY OFF AND BACK ON TO START CAR AGAIN AND IT STALLS DURING ALL THIS IN MIST OF TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING, I NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS VEHICLE WILL DO THIS, I H…
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ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHILE KEY IS STILL ON,CANNOT TURN STEERING WHEEL TO GET OFF ON SIDE OF HIGHWAY VEHICLE STOP AND I GOT TO TURN KEY OFF AND BACK ON TO START CAR AGAIN AND IT STALLS DURING ALL THIS IN MIST OF TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPEN WITH NO WARNING, I NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS VEHICLE WILL DO THIS, I HAVE REPORTED TO SEVERAL DEAL SHIPS( ALLEN SAMUEL ALLIANCE TEXAS) IS WERE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2012, AND I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THEM MANY TIMES IN 2013-2014 TO GET IT CORRECTED BUT NOTHING WAS DONE BECAUSE THEY SAID VEHICLE DIDN'T SHUT DOWN WITH THEM, REFUSE TO GET ME OUT OF VEHICLE.THEY SAID IGNITION STICKING AND STALLS WAS FIXED BUT YET IT CONTINUES TO STICK AND STALLS WHEN STARTING CAR. REASONLY, IN 2015 I TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR IGNITION RECALL BUT VEHICLE IGNITION STILL IS STICKING AND STALLING. I DRIVE MY 3 GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE ALL THE TIME TO SCHOOL AND EVERY , BECAUSE THIS ALL THE TRANSPORTATION I HAVE. THE LAST TIMES THIS HAPPEN WAS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2015, TWO TIMES EACH TIME I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AS MANAGE TO QIUCKLY SHIFT TO NEUTRAL TO GET CAR RUNNING AS CARS WAS COMING UP BEHIND ME AND WENT AROUND ON SHOULDER OF ROAD, IT WAS SO VERY,VERY SCARY VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. PLEASE HELP ME GET OUT OF THIS UNSAFE VEHICLE BEFORE A BAD "DASTER" HAPPEN TO ME AND MY GRANDCHILDREN. PHONE # 985 335 3544. THANKS.
NHTSA ODI #10790645
Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
TIPM WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP. CAR WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. RECALL NOTICE INFORMS A BAD TIPM COULD CAUSE MANY SAFETY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP OVER A MONTH. WE USED THE VEHICLE FOR EVERY DAY TRANSPORTATION FAMILY OF 6. ULTIMATELY I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR…
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TIPM WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE PROBLEM AT DEALERSHIP. CAR WOULD NOT START INTERMITTENTLY. RECALL NOTICE INFORMS A BAD TIPM COULD CAUSE MANY SAFETY PROBLEMS. THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP OVER A MONTH. WE USED THE VEHICLE FOR EVERY DAY TRANSPORTATION FAMILY OF 6. ULTIMATELY I HAD TO BUY ANOTHER CAR FOR TRANSPORTATION. NO LOANER FROM DEALERSHIP . I LOST USE OF THE VEHICLE NO END IN SIGHT. THEY TELL ME EVERY DAY THEY ARE WAITING ON THE PART.
NHTSA ODI #10785391
90,000 miles · Oct 22, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineUnknown Or Other
CAR IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING WITH NO WARNING
NHTSA ODI #10785311
64,000 miles · Aug 11, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN IT WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE STEERING ABILITY SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN IT WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.
NHTSA ODI #10747938
35,200 miles · Jun 15, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
ESP BAS ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. STOPPED, TURNED CAR OFF AND WAITED 5 MINUTES. NO LIGHTS CAME BACK ON, CAR RAN FINE.
NHTSA ODI #10725286
116,050 miles · Feb 28, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting
TAKING CAR TO LOOK AT, CK ENGINE LIGHT ON. HAD PROBLEMS WITH IT CUTTING OFF ON E'WAY RAMP. TOOK OFF ALL KEYS. MECHANIC TOLD ME CAR WAS BUILT WITH A DEFECT MOTOR. NOTHING HE COULD DO. TAKING TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND ESP BAS LIGHT AND TRACTION LIGHT COMES ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10691258
49,000 miles · Dec 17, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, TRAVELING 55 MPH, AND I PUT MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ON, AND HIT THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. I TAPPED THEM AS I WAS QUITE A DISTANCE BEFORE MY TURN AND IT WAS DARK. I DID NOT "SLAM ON THE BRAKES", I JUST PRESSED THEM. MY DASH LIGHTS LIT UP WITH ESP/BAS. I SPOKE WITH FRIENDS WHO SAID IT WAS A TRACTION CON…
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ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK, TRAVELING 55 MPH, AND I PUT MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ON, AND HIT THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. I TAPPED THEM AS I WAS QUITE A DISTANCE BEFORE MY TURN AND IT WAS DARK. I DID NOT "SLAM ON THE BRAKES", I JUST PRESSED THEM. MY DASH LIGHTS LIT UP WITH ESP/BAS. I SPOKE WITH FRIENDS WHO SAID IT WAS A TRACTION CONTROL PROBLEM. I DID TURN THE CAR OFF, ONCE I WAS HOME, AND TURN IT BACK ON - ON THE OFF CHANCE THE LIGHT WOULD SHUT OFF, BUT IT DIDN'T. IN READING ON LINE, IN DODGE FORUMS, THIS SEEMS LIKE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM ONCE THE 2010 JOURNEY HITS ON OR ABOUT 50K MILES. I'M CONCERNED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10666998
58,000 miles · Aug 21, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
THE CHECK ENGINE KEEPS ON COMING ON AND STAYING ON. I HAVE NOTICED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR LOSING POWER WHILE I AM DRIVING OR ACCELERATING; THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIME. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND ROTORS; IT DRIVES HORRIBLY EVERY TIME I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR WOULD TREMBLE. I EXPECTED THE CAR TO NOT HAVE THESE P…
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THE CHECK ENGINE KEEPS ON COMING ON AND STAYING ON. I HAVE NOTICED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR LOSING POWER WHILE I AM DRIVING OR ACCELERATING; THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIME. I RECENTLY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKES AND ROTORS; IT DRIVES HORRIBLY EVERY TIME I TRIED TO STOP THE CAR WOULD TREMBLE. I EXPECTED THE CAR TO NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS AS IT IS FAIRLY NEW AND I DO NOT CONSIDER IT TO HAVE ALOT OF MILEAGE. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AS I DRIVE MY CAR WITH THREE SMALL CHILDREN. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP TAKING IT FOR A DIAGNOSTIC EACH TIME THE LIGHT COMES ON; IF THE COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM; THEY SHOULDN'T CHARGE PEOPLE SO MUCH TO CHECK THE CODES OR THEY SHOULD HAVE A RECALL TO FIX THE ONGOING PROBLEMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10471751
15,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Air BagsElectrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I BOUGHT A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY AND HAVE HAD MANY ISSUE. FIRST THE ALIGNMENT HAS ALWAYS GONE TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE NAV AND COMPUTER MUSIC SYSTEM. THE NEWEST AND WORST ISSUE IS IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS HAS STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I TOOK IT IN…
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I BOUGHT A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY AND HAVE HAD MANY ISSUE. FIRST THE ALIGNMENT HAS ALWAYS GONE TOWARDS THE RIGHT AND HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP TWICE AND THEY SAID IT WAS FINE. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE NAV AND COMPUTER MUSIC SYSTEM. THE NEWEST AND WORST ISSUE IS IN LESS THAN 2 WEEKS HAS STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I TOOK IT IN THE FIRST TIME AND THE SERVICE SAID THEY REBOOTED THE COMPUTER AND IT WAS FINE. FEW DAYS LATER I WAS GOING 40 DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN. BOTH TIMES THE CAR IS IN DRIVE AND THE KEY IS IN. IT IS NOW BACK IN THE SHOP AND I AM AFRAID THE AIRBAGS ARE NOT GOING TO WORK. I AM AFRAID THAT I WILL BE HIT AND INJURED. I HAVE 4 YEAR OLD TWIN BOYS. DODGE/CHRYSLER IS NOT HELPFUL AT ALL. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT IS BACK IN THE SHOP AND FOR A CAR LESS THAN A YEAR OLD, I FEEL IT SHOULD WORK. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10368388
35,000 miles · Oct 14, 2010
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Traction Control System
2010 DODGE JOURNEY LEFT ME AND MY 3YR OLD DAUGHTER STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE RD. AFTER ONLY HAVING THE CAR FOR 3 WEEKS, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL, GAS AND BRAKES! THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON BEFORE THE CAR STALLED! SOMETHING IS GOING ON WITH THE JOURNEYS CAUSE MY FRIEND HAS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH HER 2009~. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360512
NHTSA investigations
4EA24003 · Vehicle Entrapment
Opened Aug 1, 2024 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE19014 · 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
RQ14002 · Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall
Opened Jun 16, 2014 · Closed Mar 2, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Electrical System:ignition:module
In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.Chrysler determined that a defective WIN module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of the inadvertent key rotation, and that a new design WIN module would be installed as a remedy.In Spring 2014 ODI conducted outreach to major light vehicle manufacturers regarding ignition key position and its effect on air bag system availability.The outreach was conducted in connection with NHTSA Recall No. 14V047, a recent recall involving inadvertent ignition key rotation and subsequent air bag disablement in certain GM products.During discussions held in April 2014, Chrysler advised ODI that Chrysler air bag systems of this vintage, including the subject vehicles, revert to energy reserve when the ignition key moves to the ACC or OFF position, and that under energy reserve the air bags would only be available for a short period, approximately two tenths of a second (ODI notes this consequence was not identified in the 11V139 recall report).A review of the ODI consumer database conducted after the April 2014 discussions identified complaints alleging that MY 2008-2009 vehicles may have a similar defect as the MY 2010 vehicles, and that some MY 2010 consumers reported experiencing ignition key position concerns after the 11V139 recall remedy was applied.Accordingly this investigation was opened.In response to ODI?s information request letter, Chrysler reported that MY 2008-2009 subject vehicles used the same design WIN module as the recalled vehicles, and also identified 66 consumer reports and one non-injury crash incident potentially related to inadvertent ignition key rotation.Chrysler?s review of the MY 2010 remedy used in 11V139, which involved installation of a Trim Ring as opposed to replacement of the WIN module, showed the remedy did not adequately address ignition key position concerns, and in some use-cases could cause other systems to operate improperly (radio, instrument panel lighting, HVAC fan motor, etc.).Chrysler subsequently filed multiple defect information reports to 1) add the MY 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, and the MY 2009 Dodge Journey to the original recall scope, and 2) stating that the complete WIN module would be replaced with a new design component in all recalled vehicles (including those that had the Trim Ring installed during 11V139).Chrysler?s report also advises of constrained remedy parts availability, see NHTSA Recall No. 14V373 for further details.Accordingly, the investigation is closed based on the recall action Chrysler is undertaking.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10584873, 10583399, 10573295, 10566365, 10546805, 10513060, 10509284, 10503121, 10496599, 10475027, 10456099, 10450629, 10443680, 10422766, 10410447, 10409269, 10402947, 10402751, 10402660, 10396943, 10394957, 10356632, 10315972
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags
In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.Chrysler determined that a defective WIN module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of the inadvertent key rotation, and that a new design WIN module would be installed as a remedy.In Spring 2014 ODI conducted outreach to major light vehicle manufacturers regarding ignition key position and its effect on air bag system availability.The outreach was conducted in connection with NHTSA Recall No. 14V047, a recent recall involving inadvertent ignition key rotation and subsequent air bag disablement in certain GM products.During discussions held in April 2014, Chrysler advised ODI that Chrysler air bag systems of this vintage, including the subject vehicles, revert to energy reserve when the ignition key moves to the ACC or OFF position, and that under energy reserve the air bags would only be available for a short period, approximately two tenths of a second (ODI notes this consequence was not identified in the 11V139 recall report).A review of the ODI consumer database conducted after the April 2014 discussions identified complaints alleging that MY 2008-2009 vehicles may have a similar defect as the MY 2010 vehicles, and that some MY 2010 consumers reported experiencing ignition key position concerns after the 11V139 recall remedy was applied.Accordingly this investigation was opened.In response to ODI?s information request letter, Chrysler reported that MY 2008-2009 subject vehicles used the same design WIN module as the recalled vehicles, and also identified 66 consumer reports and one non-injury crash incident potentially related to inadvertent ignition key rotation.Chrysler?s review of the MY 2010 remedy used in 11V139, which involved installation of a Trim Ring as opposed to replacement of the WIN module, showed the remedy did not adequately address ignition key position concerns, and in some use-cases could cause other systems to operate improperly (radio, instrument panel lighting, HVAC fan motor, etc.).Chrysler subsequently filed multiple defect information reports to 1) add the MY 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, and the MY 2009 Dodge Journey to the original recall scope, and 2) stating that the complete WIN module would be replaced with a new design component in all recalled vehicles (including those that had the Trim Ring installed during 11V139).Chrysler?s report also advises of constrained remedy parts availability, see NHTSA Recall No. 14V373 for further details.Accordingly, the investigation is closed based on the recall action Chrysler is undertaking.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10584873, 10583399, 10573295, 10566365, 10546805, 10513060, 10509284, 10503121, 10496599, 10475027, 10456099, 10450629, 10443680, 10422766, 10410447, 10409269, 10402947, 10402751, 10402660, 10396943, 10394957, 10356632, 10315972
Electrical System:ignition:module
In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for NHTSA Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.Chrysler determined that a defective WIN module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of the inadvertent key rotation, and that a new design WIN module would be installed as a remedy.In Spring 2014 ODI conducted outreach to major light vehicle manufacturers regarding ignition key position and its effect on air bag system availability.The outreach was conducted in connection with NHTSA Recall No. 14V047, a recent recall involving inadvertent ignition key rotation and subsequent air bag disablement in certain GM products.During discussions held in April 2014, Chrysler advised ODI that Chrysler air bag systems of this vintage, including the subject vehicles, revert to energy reserve when the ignition key moves to the ACC or OFF position, and that under energy reserve the air bags would only be available for a short period, approximately two tenths of a second (ODI notes this consequence was not identified in the 11V139 recall report).A review of the ODI consumer database conducted after the April 2014 discussions identified complaints alleging that MY 2008-2009 vehicles may have a similar defect as the MY 2010 vehicles, and that some MY 2010 consumers reported experiencing ignition key position concerns after the 11V139 recall remedy was applied.Accordingly this investigation was opened.In response to ODI?s information request letter, Chrysler reported that MY 2008-2009 subject vehicles used the same design WIN module as the recalled vehicles, and also identified 66 consumer reports and one non-injury crash incident potentially related to inadvertent ignition key rotation.Chrysler?s review of the MY 2010 remedy used in 11V139, which involved installation of a Trim Ring as opposed to replacement of the WIN module, showed the remedy did not adequately address ignition key position concerns, and in some use-cases could cause other systems to operate improperly (radio, instrument panel lighting, HVAC fan motor, etc.).Chrysler subsequently filed multiple defect information reports to 1) add the MY 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, and the MY 2009 Dodge Journey to the original recall scope, and 2) stating that the complete WIN module would be replaced with a new design component in all recalled vehicles (including those that had the Trim Ring installed during 11V139).Chrysler?s report also advises of constrained remedy parts availability, see NHTSA Recall No. 14V373 for further details.Accordingly, the investigation is closed based on the recall action Chrysler is undertaking.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10584873, 10583399, 10573295, 10566365, 10546805, 10513060, 10509284, 10503121, 10496599, 10475027, 10456099, 10450629, 10443680, 10422766, 10410447, 10409269, 10402947, 10402751, 10402660, 10396943, 10394957, 10356632, 10315972
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