Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE | ||||||
| EA94005 | CHRYSLER GROUP LLC | 01/31/1994 | 10/25/1995 | LIFTGATE LATCHES | 95I001000 | |
| Liftgate latches in the subject vehicles have failed in low and moderate speed impacts resulting in occupant ejections, injuries, and fatalities.there are two failure modes associated with latch failure: fork bolt-detent lever bypass, and inertial unlatching.nhtsa analyses of chrysler and peer minivans took the form of static and dynamic crash testing, engineering evaluations, complaint and field analyses, and real world data analyses.a technical report discussing these analyses can be found in the engineering analysis technical report in the public viewing file.chrysler has advised nhtsa that it will conduct a campaign to replace the latches on all the subject vehicles.the chrysler campaign will consist of notification letters to all owners; free replacement of all latches with stronger, safer latches regardless of the age of the minivans; national advertising to promote customer awareness of the campaign; quarterly reports regarding campaign completion rates; as well as additional measures to ensure a high completion rate, above and beyond the actions that normally would be taken in a formal safety recall.these include follow up written and telephonic notifications to owners who do not bring their vehicles in for corrective action.nhtsa firmly believes that the crash performance of the latches on these minivans raises serious safety concerns, and that the campaign addresses these concerns.the chrysler corrective action will increase the strength of the liftgate latches and decrease the potential for inertial unlatching, thereby reducing the risk of crash-related openings of the liftgate and possible occupant ejection through the liftgate opening.owners of chrysler minivans will get a stronger, safer latch free of charge at the earliest possible time, without the need for further technical investigation and complex and time-consuming litigation with an uncertain outcome.based on the above, odi is closing this investigation. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR | |||
| 06/13/1999 | 01/01/1997 | ||
| My dodge caravan minivan is on high . when i drive it it will remain one speed until i put the brake on. i know these cars were recalled. i would like a refund of my investment. the door panel lights also get extremely hot. they have burnt holes in themselves and holes on my personal belongings. | |||
| Electrical wiring to door locks & to power windows breaks making them non functional. please describe details. tt | |||
| 03/27/1994 | 1 | ||
| When driving the front driver side door come open. tt | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - DOOR - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | |||
| 04/08/1995 | 8 | ||
| Metal where right/left front door hinge attach is too thin, causing 5 inch crack where hinge is welded to the doors. | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE | |||
| 05/12/1995 | 05/01/1985 | ||
| Hatchback window is rusting around the edge, and the consumer took the vehicle to the shop. they can't do anything about the hatchback window. *ak | |||
| 11/11/1994 | |||
| Screws came away from the medal in the tailgate came open and contents were spilled onto the street. tt | |||
| Rear door has to shut but doesn't engage until several attempts have been made. tt | |||
| 08/15/1994 | 1 | ||
| Rear liftgate came open from accident and occupants were ejected. please explain. tt | |||
| 01/27/1995 | |||
| Rear liftgate opened upon rear impact at 20 mph. tt | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS | |||
| 04/14/1995 | 1 | ||
| Liftgate pops open periodically when driving. liftgate falls down, will not stay open due to defective spring hinges. tt | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE - SUPPORT DEVICE | |||
| 04/01/1995 | 1 | ||
| Hydraulic lifts failed,causing rear liftgate not to stay open. tt | |||
| In extreme cold weather experiences failure of hydraulic cylinder strut lift, when won't stay up and will decend unexpectedly, without warning. tt | |||
| 04/04/1995 | |||
| Rear liftgate hydraulic shocks do not hold door open. tt | |||
| STRUCTURE - BODY - HOOD | |||
| 04/14/1995 | 1 | ||
| Hood will not stay open. tt | |||