NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
69 reportsClear category filter66,000 miles · Jan 30, 2015
Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS THE POWER STEERING HOSE DETACHED FROM THE CRIMPED, WHICH RESULTED IN FLUID LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILUR…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS THE POWER STEERING HOSE DETACHED FROM THE CRIMPED, WHICH RESULTED IN FLUID LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V475000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000.
NHTSA ODI #10679902
50,000 miles · Jan 2, 2015
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON INSPECTION, THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
NHTSA ODI #10669720
59,000 miles · Aug 26, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
JUST LIKE MANY 2009 AND 2010 JOURNEY OWNERS, I TOO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE NOT TURNING OVER TO START. IT HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 2 DOZEN TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS AT RANDOM. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START 3 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND THEN THE PROBLEM WILL NOT OCCUR FOR ANOTHER WEEK. ONCE THE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION AND…
Read full complaint
JUST LIKE MANY 2009 AND 2010 JOURNEY OWNERS, I TOO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE NOT TURNING OVER TO START. IT HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 2 DOZEN TIMES IN THE PAST 2 MONTHS AT RANDOM. SOMETIMES THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START 3 TIMES IN ONE DAY AND THEN THE PROBLEM WILL NOT OCCUR FOR ANOTHER WEEK. ONCE THE KEY IS IN THE IGNITION AND I TURN IT, I HAVE BATTERY POWER, IT SIMPLY WILL NOT PUSH THROUGH TO ACTUALLY START THE VEHICLE. THIS IS VERY IRRITATING AND I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE FOR THE DEALER SO OF COURSE THEY WILL DO NOTHING FOR ME. I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THAT ON THE FREEWAY, WHEN GETTING ABOVE 60 THE STEERING WHEEL FEELS SHAKING WHICH IS QUITE TERRIFYING AND THEN IF I GO TO BREAK, IT FEELS VERY WOBBLY. AGAIN, NOT SOMETHING THAT I CAN REPRODUCE AT THE DEALER AND THEREFORE CANNOT BE FIXED. I LOVED MY CAR FOR THE FIRST COUPLE YEARS I OWNED IT, BUT LATELY IT IS NOT UP TO PAR AND WORRIES ME TO DRIVE WITH MY 2 KIDS IN FEAR OF THE UNPREDICTABLE STEERING ISSUE OR BEING STRANDED IF IT DECIDES TO NOT START AT ALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10628435
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringWheels
I DO NOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE 2010 DODGE JOURNEY FOR THE BRAKE, TIRE, AND ROTOR ISSUE! I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES WHICH WERE AN ARM AND A LEG BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT A COMMON TIRE/SIZE , THEY WANTED ME TO SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT TIRE SIZE WHICH THEN WOULD AFFECT THE SPEEDOM…
Read full complaint
I DO NOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE 2010 DODGE JOURNEY FOR THE BRAKE, TIRE, AND ROTOR ISSUE! I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TIRES WHICH WERE AN ARM AND A LEG BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT A COMMON TIRE/SIZE , THEY WANTED ME TO SWITCH TO A DIFFERENT TIRE SIZE WHICH THEN WOULD AFFECT THE SPEEDOMETER.. NO WAY.. I HAVE HAD TO PUT 3 SETS OF ROTORS ON THE CAR AND 2 SETS OF BRAKES, AND GOING ON 2ND SET OF TIRES.. YOU CAN'T TELL ME THERE ISN'T AN ISSUE.. IF I COULD GET RID OF THE LEMON I WOULD BUT FINANCIALLY I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH AN IDENTICAL CAR/COLOR AND WE HAVE THE SAME STORY.. RIDICULOUS! PLEASE HELP THE OWNERS OF THIS LEMON! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10607439
78,103 miles · Jun 23, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,103.…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,103.
NHTSA ODI #10605417
4,800 miles · Sep 22, 2013
Service BrakesSteering
ROTORS ARE WARPED CAUSING A SHAKING, WOBBLING STEERING WHEEL WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. SO FAR, 3 SETS OF ROTORS HAVE BEEN PUT ON THIS VEHICLE (1 FROM FACTORY AND 2 FOLLOW ON SETS BY DEALER DUE TO CONTINUAL FAILURE OF ROTORS...) THERE ARE ONLY 21000 MILES ON THIS JOURNEY AND IT WILL SOON NEED A 4TH SET OF ROTORS. THE PERSISTENCE OF R…
Read full complaint
ROTORS ARE WARPED CAUSING A SHAKING, WOBBLING STEERING WHEEL WHEN APPLYING BRAKES. SO FAR, 3 SETS OF ROTORS HAVE BEEN PUT ON THIS VEHICLE (1 FROM FACTORY AND 2 FOLLOW ON SETS BY DEALER DUE TO CONTINUAL FAILURE OF ROTORS...) THERE ARE ONLY 21000 MILES ON THIS JOURNEY AND IT WILL SOON NEED A 4TH SET OF ROTORS. THE PERSISTENCE OF ROTOR FAILURE MAKES IT HARD TO STEER THE CAR SAFELY AS THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIES VIOLENTLY WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ROTOR FAILURES ARE ALSO CAUSING UNSAFE, PREMATURE AND UNEVEN WEAR ON THE TIRES. IN ALL, THE 2010 JOURNEY IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE CONSISTENT ROTOR FAILURES. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT DO DO.
NHTSA ODI #10544856
30,000 miles · Aug 25, 2013
EngineService BrakesSteering
SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR DODGE JOURNEY IT'S BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WE OWN A 2010 JOURNEY. WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS, STEERING MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE ELECTRICITY AND MY VEHICLE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE I WITNESS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER PERSONS CAR SAME DODGE JOURNEY WE ALWAYS GET OU…
Read full complaint
SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR DODGE JOURNEY IT'S BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WE OWN A 2010 JOURNEY. WE'VE HAD TO REPLACE BRAKES AND ROTORS, STEERING MAKES A VERY LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNING ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE ELECTRICITY AND MY VEHICLE IS NOT THE ONLY ONE I WITNESS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ANOTHER PERSONS CAR SAME DODGE JOURNEY WE ALWAYS GET OUR CAR THE NECESSARY OIL CHANGES AND MY ENGINE MAKES A VERY FUNNY NOISE EVEN OUR MECHANIC WAS WORRIED HE TOLD US THAT OUR CAR IS STILL NEW THAT MY ENGINE HAS TO BE LEAKING BECAUSE EVERYTIME WE GET OUR ROUTINE OIL CHANGES IT SEEMS LIKE THE CAR IS LOW ON OIL. ALSO WHEN I START DRIVING AWAY IT LOSES SPEED AND MAKE A VERY UGLY SOUND. THIS IS BY FAR THE WORST INVESTMENT EVER DO NOT THROW YOUR MONEY AWAY ON ANYTHING DODGE OR CHRYSLER GARBAGE EXPENSIVE GARBAGE THEN WHEN YOU CALL THEM UP THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I THINK THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE MORE STRICT ON THESE KIND OF THINGS THIS IS OUR MONEY HERE WE PAY TAXES ON THESE CAR MORE SHOULD BE DONE TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10537179
25,000 miles · Jul 17, 2013
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringSuspension
I HAVE HAD MY TIRES REPLACE ABOUT EVERY 25,000 MILES THE ARE WEARING REALLY BAD ON THE INSIDE I HAVE HAD ALIGNMENTS DONE AND THERE IS NO ISSUE WITH THE ALIGNMENT I HAVE SPENT OVER $1000 ON TIRES NOT SURE IF IT IS CAUSED BY THE BRAKES AND ROTORS BEING BAD. I'VE HAD THEM REPLACED TWICE ALSO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10525302
63,562 miles · Jun 12, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingService BrakesSteering
WENT TO HAVE MY BRAKES INSPECTED DUE TO A SCREECHING SOUND. THE SOUND AT 1ST LASTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS. BY THE TIME I MADE IT TO THE BRAKE SHOP IT OF COURSE STOPPED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WE WERE TOLD THAT IN 3 MORE DAYS THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE WENT OUT. WE DO NOT DRIVE HARD OR EVER HAVE TO STOP FAST. MY HUSBAND & I LEA…
Read full complaint
WENT TO HAVE MY BRAKES INSPECTED DUE TO A SCREECHING SOUND. THE SOUND AT 1ST LASTED ABOUT 2 WEEKS. BY THE TIME I MADE IT TO THE BRAKE SHOP IT OF COURSE STOPPED. UPON INSPECTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM WE WERE TOLD THAT IN 3 MORE DAYS THE BRAKES WOULD HAVE WENT OUT. WE DO NOT DRIVE HARD OR EVER HAVE TO STOP FAST. MY HUSBAND & I LEARNED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS AN KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SHOP.. WE WERE TOLD THE BRAKES WILL SCREECH & THEN STOP WORKING IF NOT FIXED RIGHT AWAY! THAT'S VERY SCARY AS WE DON NOT WANT TO CRASH & KILL SOMEONE OR OUR SELVES. THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED STARTING WITH THE CALIPERS & WAS RUBBING IN THE PAD CAUSING EXTREME WEAR & IS WAS SAID THE MANUFACTURED BRAKE ARE NOT MADE TO STOP A VEHICLE SO HEAVY AS OURS. AND FOR THAT REASON WE WERE TOLD TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I CALLED DODGE & WAS TOLD THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED & WE WOULD HAD TO PAY FOR IT ON OUR OWN. ALSO WHEN WE BOUGHT THE DODGE IN 2010 BRAND NEW THE ALIGNMENT WAS OFF & WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. AFTER HAVING THE ALIGNMENT & BRAKES REPAIRED FOR A SECOND TIME IN UNDER 2YEARS IT IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS TIME IT WILL COST US $575.00 TO REPAIR JUST THE BRAKE SYSTEM.. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ASAP! BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED!! AND DODGE SHOULD OWN UP TO THIS ISSUE! IN ADDITION THE A/C HAS A LOOSE CONNECTION & WILL STOP BLOWING FOR NO REASON. AND OTHER ISSUE TO DEAL WITH IN HOT WEATHER! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10519485
41,000 miles · Feb 20, 2013
Electrical SystemSteeringVehicle Speed Control
TWICE TODAY, MY 2010 DODGE JOURNEY SHUT OFF AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. LUCKILY, I WASN'T IN BUSY TRAFFIC AND NO ONE WAS TURNING BEHIND ME. OTHERWISE, MY KIDS AND MYSELF COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM AN ACCIDENT. I CHECKED ON-LINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE E…
Read full complaint
TWICE TODAY, MY 2010 DODGE JOURNEY SHUT OFF AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. LUCKILY, I WASN'T IN BUSY TRAFFIC AND NO ONE WAS TURNING BEHIND ME. OTHERWISE, MY KIDS AND MYSELF COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED FROM AN ACCIDENT. I CHECKED ON-LINE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT SIMILAR ISSUES. I CALLED CHRYSLER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE DIDN'T QUALIFY FOR ANY RECALLS OF THAT NATURE. WHAT IF I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH A SEMI-TRUCK BEHIND ME? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10499469
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