Automotive Defect InvestigationThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues safety standards that require automobile manufacturers to recall vehicles that have safety-related defects. An important first step to identifying a problem is to keep a database of complaints received from owners. Similar complaints from a number of owners about the same product are usually a good indication that a problem could exist. The NHTSA will review the complaints and, in most cases, open an investigation. If the investigation leads to a recall, the NHTSA will monitor the effectiveness and management of the recall, including the filing of recall notices, communicating with owners regarding the recalls, and tracking the completion rate of each recall.

The NHTSA currently has three investigations affecting certain Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles.

Stalling And Loss Of Motive Power Due To Transmission Malfunction
2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica and 2019-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 40 complaints alleging incidents of stalling and loss of motive power in certain 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Most incidents occurred at speeds greater than 25 MPH and resulted in a vehicle stall. The loss of motive power was often accompanied by a dashboard warning message indicating a charging fault. A review of vehicle data showed that the malfunction was correlated with an internal transmission fault. The ODI is opening an investigation to assess the scope, frequency, cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect.

Crankshaft Or Camshaft Sensor Failures
2016 Dodge Journey, 2016 Jeep Compass, and 2016 Jeep Patriot

In December 2016, the NHTSA issued a recall (16V-907) that identified crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles. According to the recall report, the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may work intermittently, possibly causing the engine to stall while driving. Following this recall, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has continued to receive consumer complaints from owners who say they are experiencing crankshaft or camshaft failures on similar vehicles not included in the recall. The NHTSA has opened a Recall Query (RQ) to further assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) Inadvertently Activates While Driving
2014-2020 Jeep Cherokee

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 80 complaints for 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) activated while the vehicle was in motion. Based on repair invoices, the problem is caused by water leaking into the vehicle and damaging the EPB module which inadvertently activates the vehicle to a stop. The ODI is aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power lift-gate module on the same population of vehicles. The lift-gate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the lift-gate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler vehicles, equipped with manual transmissions. These vehicles have a defective power train that could increase the risk of an accident.

According to the defect report, the clutch pressure plate could overheat and break. Fragments from the pressure plate could fracture the transmission case where debris could enter. Debris entering the transmission could result in loss of propulsion or allow heated debris to contact ignition sources, potentially leading to a vehicle fire. In some circumstances, vehicle occupants may notice a burnt clutch odor, or the driver may notice abnormal clutch pedal travel prior to the failure.

A fix for this recall is still under development. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W12 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-124.

In June 2014 Chrysler opened an investigation into shocks installed on certain 2015 Chrysler 200, 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 2014 Ram 1500 vehicles, as a result of shock supplier, Hitachi, having a KL rear shock ring split during bushing press operation. The investigation found that, due to an inadequate inspection process at the supplier, the ring loop at the rear shock attachment may have a weld that is insufficient to carry the load of the vehicle. The loss of one of the two welds could result in damage to chassis components and tires, and decreased brake function. Continue reading

According to reports filed with the NHTSA, certain 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUV’s could experience an increased chance of vanity lamp overheating after receiving a service repair which requires gaining access above the headliner.

On March 2011, Chrysler opened an investigation as the result of customer complaints of thermal damage in the sun visor area. It was determined that during installation of a previous repair, the sun visor screws could be driven through one of the unsecured vanity lamp wiring circuits creating a resistive short to ground. If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire. Continue reading

Federal regulators are putting pressure on Chrysler to accelerate production of trailer hitches needed to repair an estimated 1.6 million Jeep SUV’s. In June 2013 Chrysler and the NHTSA reported that the fuel tanks in these vehicles are more susceptible to leaks and fire during certain rear impact accidents because of the location of the tank behind the rear axle, slightly below the rear bumper. Chrysler’s repair of installing a trailer hitch for extra protection has been approved by the NHTSA despite criticisms from consumer advocates who say that hitches will only incrementally improve the performance in certain low speed rear impacts. The initial Jeep recall involved approximately 2.7 million vehicles, but Chrysler says that, given the age of some of them, only about 1.6 million remain on the road. Continue reading

Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an intelligent cruise control system that uses radar senors or lasers to automatically slow down and speeds up a vehicle to keep pace with surrounding traffic. When the system is working correctly, the technology can be a great tool for preventing accidents, but because it is relatively new, software glitches can leave drivers feeling unsafe. Continue reading

Chrysler has submitted a noncompliance report with the NHTSA containing details of a safety defect that could affect braking in certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The problem will have approximately 644,354 owners returning their SUV’s to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have them tested and repaired as necessary. Continue reading

Chrysler has alerted the NHTSA about a problem in certain 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles which could result in drivers experiencing longer stopping distances than expected. They will be asking owners to return their SUV’s to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have the problem fixed. Chrysler’s recall number is P05 and the NHTSA campaign number is 14V-104. Continue reading