NHTSA Safety Investigations — DODGE DURANGO
Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2015
Seat Belt Retraction
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate complaints alleging improper retraction of the front seat belts (driver or passenger) due to the plastic guide of the D-ring cracking in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The purpose of the i
... nvestigation was to understand the scope, frequency and safety related consequence of the alleged defect. The subject condition occurs when the plastic material encapsulating the metal substructure of the front seat belt, B-pillar mounted D-ring cracks. The structural integrity of the D-ring remains intact; however, cracking of the plastic material pinches the webbing at the D-ring, thereby preventing it from properly retracting, and leaving the belt loose on the occupant. In addition to the detectability of the loose belt, the cracks in the plastic guide are also apparent by visual inspection, and many reports indicate the webbing can be manually fed back into the B-pillar/retractor to improve seat belt fit. ODI review of the available data has not identified any injuries attributable to this failure.In its November 6, 2019 response to ODI's September 8, 2019 information request letter, which was scoped to include MY 2013 to 2015 Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles, FCA providedinformation (portions of which were submitted with a request for confidentiality) detailing several material and process changes involved in the production of the subject D-ring. Based on these changes, FCA sub-divided certain production periods into population groups representing different design levels of the D-ring. FCA's response also confirmed the same D-rings were used in Dodge Durango front seat belts. ODI notes that installation of seat belts during vehicle production involves highly controlled processes, in comparison to field service, which ensures all mechanical and electrical connections are properly secured.ODI analyzed complaints submitted directly to the agency and complaint data received from FCA. During this review, ODI identified elevated failure rates for Grand Cherokee and Durango vehicles produced from mid-June 2013 through July 2015 when compared to vehicles produced both prior to and after this period. Additionally, review of FCA warranty data indicated a similar pattern of elevated warranty claims in the suspect July 2013-July 2015 period. The primary factors for the failure rate differences appear to be a D-ring material change (from nylon to a Celcon plastic) starting in mid-June 2013 and a subsequent change (to a Delrin material) in August 2015, however other production changes occurred during the suspect period, as discussed in greater detail in FCA's November 2019 response. ODI's analysis of the various data sources showed vehicles produced in the suspect period experienced failure rates approximately 2 to 4 times higher, depending on the data source and production period evaluated. However the analysis also indicated a declining failure trend.Given the detectability of the condition, the failure frequency combined with a currently declining failure trend, and lack of injuries attributable to this condition despite significant time in service, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation without further action. The closing of the investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a defect does not exist, and NHTSA will take further action if warranted by future circumstances.In the course of the investigation, FCA has informed the agency of its intention to offer an extended warranty for Grand Cherokee and Durango vehicles built during the suspect period. See the PE19-011 document repository at NHTSA.gov foRead more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2016
Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
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 Dur
... ango 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. FCAâs 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 NHTSAâs 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.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2014
Vehicle Rollaway
Basis â On December 16, 2016, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE16-014 to investigate 43 vehicle rollaway incidents with operators alleging they had shifted to Park and then exited the vehicle prior to the rollway incidents. These complaints involved
... multiple Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) model and model year vehicles that share a common electronic rotary shifter design. Â Of the 43 consumer complaints, 25 complaints alleged crashes, and eight complaints alleged at least one injury. Subject Vehicles â When NHTSA opened the investigation, the subject vehicles were model year (MY) 2013-2016 Ram 1500 vehicles and MY 2014-2016 Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with a rotary electronic shifter. However, NHTSA expanded the scope of the investigation to include subsequent model years of the same model vehicles when the Agency learned that those new model year vehicles use the same rotary shifter. Â Additionally, all subject vehicles manufactured by FCA are equipped with electronic rotary shifters supplied by Kostal Automotive. Reason for closing - During the course of this investigation, ODI did not find evidence that a vehicle-based design or manufacturing defect was the cause of vehicle rollaway incidents on the subject vehicles. Nevertheless, given the risk of a vehicle rollaway, FCAâs CSN actions provide automated vehicle securement when an operator attempts to exit the vehicle without successfully achieving a Park position with the rotary shifter mechanism. ODI closely monitored the subject vehicles on which the CSN actions implement a vehicle securement strategy and found that the CSN actions were effective in reducing the frequency of vehicle rollaway incidents in the subject vehicles. ODI analyzed the incidents when a CSN had been implemented and a rollaway still occurred, and ODI was unable to find an actionable defect that caused vehicle rollaway incidents. ODI found that the failure rates on subject vehicles that received a CSN remedy were similar to the failure rates on other vehicle populations and additionally had similar mechanisms as other vehicle populations such as slippery surfaces and various mechanical failures. Furthermore, as discussed above, after FCAâs release of the CSN actions, consumer complaints have decreased significantly. Given the absence of an identified safety defect based on available information and FCAâs customer satisfaction campaign which addresses the failure mode, further action is not warranted at this time. Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. However, the Agency reserves the right to take further action, if warranted.Please see the attached detailed closing summary for more information. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.Read more
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 2014
Software security vulnerability
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman Internation
... al.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015 letter, FCA submitted a second Part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the Uconnect RA4 model radio to include additional 7,810 MY 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured from September 18, 2014 through June 25, 2015 (Recall 15V-508).Scope analysis indicated that Uconnect radios installed in FCA vehicles not included in recalls 15V-461 or 15V-508 (subject recalls) are not equipped with built-in cellular access or short range wireless communication features and, thus, do not contain the security vulnerabilities addressed by the subject recalls. SUBJECT VEHICLES: MY2014 through 2015 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles; MY2013 through 2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 pickup trucks; MY2013 through 2015 Dodge Viper vehicles; and MY2015 Chrysler 200, 300, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles.According to FCA, long and short range wireless vulnerabilities identified in the recalled vehicles could allow unauthorized third-party access to, and manipulation of, networked vehicle control systems.Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities, coupled with reverse engineering of networked microprocessor control modules, could result in unauthorized manipulation of vehicle control systems. This unauthorized manipulation of vehicle controls and systems could expose the driver, vehicle occupants or other highway users to an increased risk of injury.FCA and its network provider, Sprint, conducted a nationwide campaign to block access to a radio communications port that was unintentionally left open.On July 27, 2015, short range wireless vulnerabilities were also blocked.Finally, third party security evaluation and regression testing identified vulnerabilities that were either remedied by Sprint or through updates to the FCA Uconnect software.ODI identified a total of 30 complaints or field reports on unique vehicles submitted by FCA (29) or received by NHTSA (1) alleging incidents of theft from a vehicle or anomalous performance that the owner alleged were caused by, or may have been caused by, remote hacking.Twenty-six (87%) of these reports were submitted after a magazine article was published on July 21, 2015, describing the remote hacking of an FCA vehicle by researchers who were able to affect the operation of various vehicle control systems, including the service brakes, steering, throttle and ignition.Most of the complaints involved vehicle systems that were not safety critical (e.g., complaints related to radio, navigation system, or air-conditioning control) and did not affect vehicle control.Three complaints reported engine stalls.One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration allegedly related to hacking.None of the complaints or field reports reviewed involved the steering and braking vehicle control effects demonstrated by the research hackers prior to the recall.There were no confirmed incidents of hacking in any of the records reviewed by ODI.The remedies completed by Sprint and FCA appear to have eliminated vulnerabilities that miRead more
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 2012
Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires
In response to this investigation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a recall to address headliner fires that occur post 14V-391.On December 22, 2015 FCA notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of safety recall 15V-879 to remedy potential headliner fires occurring in 389,252 m
... odel year (MY) 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2009 to September 1, 2012.Note this recall, which was scoped based on vehicle design level and field events, does not include all MY 2013 or any MY 2014 Durango and Grand Cherokee vehicles; ODI and FCA will continue to monitor the field experience for this population.ODI opened this investigation based on allegations of fires occurring in the headliner area after the remedy for recall 14V-391 had been conducted.Recall 14V-391 involved MY 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured by FCA from January 5, 2010 to December 11, 2013.The recall was influenced by ODI investigation EA14-001.During EA14-001, data provided by FCA indicated fires were caused by an electrical short in the vanity lamp wiring for either visor.Visors are mounted to the (metal) roof of the vehicle through the headliner with three screws. EA14-001 determined it was possible for the wiring to be pierced or abraded by one of the screws, or otherwise become electrically shorted either during initial vehicle assembly or subsequent headliner area repairs presenting a fire risk.Most of the fires occurred while the vehicle was being driven.The 14V-391 remedy consisted of installing a plastic guide way on each visor to route wiring away from the attachment screws and prevent electrical shorting.Additionally abrasion resistant tape was installed in key areas to protect the wiring integrity.In order to install the guide, the headliner had to be lowered and the existing visor and headliner wiring rerouted, a somewhat complex procedure that required sufficient service technician care and expertise.FCA modified the 14V-391 remedy multiple times to improve it.ODI has identified a total of 43 NHTSA complaints across affected vehicles indicating a fire occurring after the vehicle had been remedied under 14V-391.FCA reported 159 additional unique complaints of post-remedy fires. The fire events primarily occurred while driving however a few reported fires starting after the vehicle was parked. Ten customers incurred injuries including minor burns and smoke inhalation, no crashes were reported.According to FCA, the vehicles recalled under 15V-879 were manufactured with longer wiring connecting the visors to the main harness in the headliner.Field experience clearly shows these vehicles are experiencing more post 14V-391 fires, 189 out of 202 known incidents to date.Recall 15V-879 addresses any remaining risk of fire after the 14V-391 recall remedy is performed.The 15V-879 remedy installs new design level visor assemblies containing added wire sheathing, shortened wiring, revised wiring retainer and wiring loop relief.In addition, part of the metal structure (body in white) where the wiring is routed will be modified (removed) using a template to allow more clearance.The recall action initiated by the vehicle manufacturer address the safety risks identified by the investigation.Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at SaferCar.gov under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10640524, 10653417, 10684130, 10691520, 10692710, 10703058, 10705802, 10711836, 10715282, 10717265, 10717266, 10723677, 10726438, 10733003, 10733598, 10735042, 10743410, 10744097, 10745129, 1Read more
AQ — Closed
— Model Year: 2006
Fleet Vehicle Recall Completion Audit
On November 18, 2010, NHTSA's Recall Management Division (RMD) opened an audit query (AQ10-001) to investigate recall remedy completion by rental car companies on safety recall campaigns.It was expected to provide the agency an indication of how completely and how quickly rental car fleets perform n
... ecessary recall-related remedies on the vehicles owned and then rented/leased for use on the roadways.RMD queried three (3) major motor vehicle manufacturers (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) and requested data regarding completion figures for fifteen (15) discreet safety recalls.Analysis of this data demonstrated that rental car recalls completion was neither complete nor consistent.The rental car companies representing the largest market share in the industry were then queried as to their respective policies for the rental, lease, and sale of vehicles with open recalls.The data and responses from the manufacturers and the rental car companies can be found in the document repository by accessing the ?Associated Documents link above.In December 2015, Congress enacted the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.One section of the Act prohibits rental car companies from renting, leasing, or selling motor vehicles subject to open safety recalls.With the passage of the FAST Act and its prohibition, there is no continuing need for the agency to investigate rental car recall completions.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The agency reserves the right to open any future investigations, including audits of individual recalls, or groups of recalls, or rental car companies, to examine more closely safety recalls performance and completion issues in this area.Read more
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 2005
FUEL SPIT-BACK DURING REFUELING
IN ITS LETTER DATED JANUARY 6, 2009, CHRYSLER INFORMED THE AGENCY THAT IT WILL EXPAND THE SCOPE OF RECALL 05V-034 TO INCLUDE APPROXIMATELY 19,000 ADDITIONAL MY 2005 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 10/13/04 THROUGH 11/30/04 (REFER TO RECALL 09V-003).DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE INLET CHECK VALVES AND R
... EPLACE THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY.IN MARCH 2005, CHRYSLER INITIATED A SAFETY RECALL OF APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MY 2005 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 3/1/04 TO 10/12/04 (REFER TO RECALL 05V-034).THE RECALL WAS CONDUCTED TO REMEDY FUEL-SPIT BACK PROBLEMS CAUSED BY STUCK INLET CHECK VALVES IN THE FUEL TANK FILLER TUBES.AT THAT TIME, CHRYSLER STATED THAT THE SUPPLIER OF THE FUEL TANKS HAD IDENTIFIED AN EARLY OCTOBER 2004 MANUFACTURING CHANGE THAT SHOULD HAVE ELIMINATED THE ROOT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM.HOWEVER, HIGHER RATES OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR THE MY 2005 DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT FROM 10/13/04 TO 11/30/04 COMPARED WITH THE REMAINING MY 2005 DURANGO VEHICLES BUILT AFTER NOVEMBER 2004 INDICATE THE SPIT BACK PROBLEM CONTINUED IN THE FIELD FOR VEHICLES BUILT FROM MID-OCTOBER THROUGH THE END OF NOVEMBER.CHRYSLER REPORTED PROCESS MODIFICATIONS WERE IMPLEMENTED ON 11/24/04 TO ADDRESS SPIT BACK PROBLEMS AND BELIEVES THESE PROCESS CHANGES WOULD HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN ALL VEHICLES BUILT AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT AS OF 11/30/04. BASED ON CHRYSLER'S EXPANDED RECALL, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.Read more
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 2006
SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FAILURE
ODI'S INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED NO ISSUES IN THE DESIGN, MANUFACTURING PROCESS, OR QUALITY CONTROL PROCESS OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAGS USED IN THE DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES.THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPORTED FIELD INCIDENTS OF SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FAILURES SIMILAR TO THE FAILURES THAT OCCURRED DURING THE NHTS
... A RESEARCH TESTING OF THE DURANGO AIR BAGS.ADDITIONAL NHTSA TESTING CONDUCTED DURING THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN NO DIFFUSER TUBE FAILURES.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2006
SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG FAILURE
ODI HAS UPGRADED THIS INVESTIGATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-003) TO CONTINUE ITS INVESTIGATION OF THE SUBJECT ISSUE.
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 2005
INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRES
THIS INVESTIGATION ORIGINATED FROM COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE AGENCY REPORTING INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) FIRES ON VEHICLES THAT WERE COVERED UNDER A PRIOR RECALL (RECALL 03V528) BY DAIMLER CHRYSLER (DCC) TO CORRECT A CRACKED CAPACITOR IN THE IP.DCC HAS NOW IDENTIFIED ANOTHER CONDITION THAT CAN CAUSE OVE
... RHEATING OF AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT THAT CONTROLS INTERIOR LIGHTING.THIS CONDITION AFFECTS CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES.DCC'S MARCH 6, 2007 LETTER TO THE AGENCY STATES, UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS, AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MAY OVERHEAT AND RESULT IN AN INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRE.DCC WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL TO INSPECT THE CLUSTER FOR DAMAGE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY.IF THE CLUSTER SHOWS NO EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE, IT WILL BE RE-FLASHED [RE-PROGRAM THE CLUSTER] TO PREVENT THE POTENTIAL FOR THIS CONDITION.IN ADDITION, ALL VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE A WIRING MODIFICATION THAT DIRECTS THE INTERIOR LIGHTING TO A PORTION OF THE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT WITH ADDITIONAL CURRENT CARRYING CAPACITY.THIS RECALL COVERS 328,424 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM 4/03/03 THROUGH 6/30/06.SEE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 07V092 FOR DETAILS.Read more
EA — Closed
— Model Year: 2002
VEHICLE UNDER-SEAT FIRE
DAIMLERCHRYLSER CORPORATION (DCC) WILL RECALL 35,103 MY 2001-2003 DODGE DURANGO VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT BENCH SEATS (RECALL # 06V339, SEE DEFECT REPORT FOR DETAILS).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEATS OR A 40-20-40 SPLIT FRONT BENCH SEAT.VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH FRONT
... BENCH SEAT CONTAIN AN UNCAPPED, UNUSED CONNECTOR LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT EDGE OF THE SEAT.THE CONNECTOR PROVIDES POWER TO THE CENTER CONSOLE POWER OUTLET FOR VEHICLES WITH BUCKET SEATS, BUT IT IS UNUSED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH BENCH SEATS.THE CONNECTOR IS LOCATED REARWARD OF THE CUP HOLDER ON THE TUNNEL FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE BENCH SEAT.THIS CONNECTOR CONTAINS A FUSED B+ CIRCUIT WIRE (THAT IS CONTINUOUSLY POWERED WITH THE KEY OFF) AND A GROUND WIRE. DCC DETERMINED THAT IF LIQUID IS SPILLED FROM THE CUP HOLDER ONTO THE TUNNEL, THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR MAY BECOME CONTAMINATED.THIS CONTAMINATION MAY ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A HIGH RESISTANCE SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE CONNECTOR, CAUSING LOCALIZED HEATING, WHICH COULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.DCC WILL INSPECT THE UNCAPPED CONNECTOR FOR CORROSION, CLEAN AS REQUIRED, AND INSTALL A CAP TO PREVENT LIQUID CONTAMINATION.ALL OF THE REPORTED UNDER-SEAT FIRES WERE ON SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH A 40-20-40 BENCH SEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.Read more
RQ — Closed
— Model Year: 2004
INSTRUMENT PANEL FIRES
THIS INVESTIGATION ORIGINATED FROM COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE AGENCY REPORTING INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) FIRES ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED(RECALL 03V528) BY DAIMLERCHRYSLER (DCC) TO CORRECT A DEFECT THAT CAUSED IP FIRES.THE RECALL CORRECTED A DEFECT CAUSED BY A CERTAIN CAPACITOR ON THE IP PRINTED CIR
... CUIT BOARD (PCB) THAT COULD CRACK AND OVERHEAT.THE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED OR IN USE.THE RECALL REMEDY WAS TO REMOVE THE CAPACITOR FROM THE IP.IPS USED FOR VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL (DECEMBER 2003) DID NOT CONTAIN THE CAPACITOR.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED REPORTS OF FIRES IN VEHICLES PRODUCED AFTER THE RECALL, WHICH DO NOT HAVE THE DEFECTIVE CAPACITOR.DCC AND ITS SUPPLIER FOR THE IP HAVE IDENTIFIED A DIFFERENT LOCATION ON THE PCB THAT MAY OVERHEAT.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA06-015) TO FURTHER STUDY THIS ISSUE.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2002
FIRE UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT
ODI IS AWARE OF 10 REPORTS ALLEGING THAT A FIRE ORIGINATES UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SEAT.SIX OF THEFIRES OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH TURNED OFF (KEY NOT IN THE IGNITION).THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL SEATS. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN
... ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, (EA06-011), TO ALLOW FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THE ISSUE.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2003
FRONT SUSP. UPPER BALL JOINT FAILURE
IN JULY 2003, ODI OPENED PE03-032 BASED ON 4 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING SEPARATION OF AN UPPER BALL JOINT.COMPLAINTS ALLEGED AN UNEXPECTED COLLAPSE IN THE FRONT END AND IN SOME OCCASIONS THE BALL JOINT SEPARATION IS ALLEGED TO HAVE RESULTED IN THE WHEEL, BRAKE ROTOR, AND STEERING KNUCKLE SEPARATIN
... G FROM THE VEHICLE.SINCE OPENING THE PE, ODI HAS RECEIVED 23 ADDITIONAL COMPLAINTS RELATED TO BALL JOINT SEPARATION. DAIMLERCHRYSLER HAS IDENTIFIED A WEAROUT CONCERN IN THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS THAT IS BELIEVED TO OCCUR AFTER WATER INTRUSION EVACUATES THE JOINT LUBRICANT.DAIMLERCHRYSLER DOES NOT BELIEVE THE CONDITION POSES AN UNREASONABLE RISK TO SAFETY BECAUSE THE SUSPENSION DESIGN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF JOINT SEPARATION.OVER 99 PERCENT OF THE FAILURES ARE RELATED TO WORN BALL JOINTS (E.G., NOISE COMPLAINTS).DAIMLERCHRYSLER REVISED THE REPAIR PROCEDURE IN AUGUST 2003 TO ALLOW THE UPPER BALL JOINTS TO BE SERVICED SEPARATELY FROM THE UPPER CONTROL ARM AND REDUCE REPAIR COSTS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER CHANGED THE SUPPLIER OF THE SUBJECT BALL JOINTS FROM TRW TO NEW CASTLE MACHINING & FORGE FOR MY 2000 VEHICLES.MY 2000 DURANGO VEHICLES ACCOUNT FOR 25 OF THE 37 SEPARATION COMPLAINTS.THE UPPER BALL JOINT WAS REDESIGNED IN MY 2003.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER ASSESS THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2000-02 DURANGO VEHICLES.Read more
PE — Closed
— Model Year: 2000
STEERING WHEEL/SHAFT SPLINE ATTACHMENT
THIS PE WAS OPENED BASED ON ODI'S RECEIPT OF ONE COMPLAINT OF STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ALLEGEDLY (THAT IS, ACCORDING TO THE REPAIRING FACILITY'S SERVICE MANAGER) THE HUB NUT WAS NEVER INSTALLED ON THE SHAFT SPLINE.ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HE/SHE WAS A
... BLE TO STOP WITHOUT IMPACTING ANYTHING.BASED ON OUR INVESTIGATION AND THE MANUFACTURER'S RESPONSE, ODI IS CLOSING THIS INVESTIGATION BECAUSE THE SINGLE KNOWN COMPLAINT APPEARS TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT.FURTHER, CHRYSLER HAS NO OTHER WARRANTY CLAIMS AND HAS NOT ISSUED ANY SERVICE BULLETINS.IN SUMMARY, 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.ODI WILL CONTTINUE TO MONITOR THIS MATTER CLOSELY, AND THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION ON THESE MODELS IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.Read more