Several weeks ago the blind-spot alert system in my 2011 Chrysler Town and country malfunctioned. I brought the vehicle to my local Chrysler dealer. The vehicle has over 50,000 miles (and less than 55,000 miles, at that time) so this was not a warranty issue. When the bumper was removed, it contained a significant amount of road debris and road salt. The left side blind-spot alert module was corroded. They quoted replacing that module at about $1200. At the dealer I saw a rear bumper assembly that has relatively small openings that allow debris to enter without a way for it to leave. This made it easy for salt and debris to enter and difficult for it to leave. This promoted the corrosion. I contacted Chrysler. Their position was they did not cover corrosion under any circumstances. I can forward my email exchange with Chrysler to you. I visited a local collision repair shop. They removed the rear bumper. With their expertise, they were able to inform me that the opening that allowed debris and salt to enter was located where the rear tires would throw road debris and road salt at the opening. Chrysler is replacing between 375 and 400 of these modules a week ? at over $1000 each, before labor to install.

- Lynn, MA, USA

Blind spot monitor sensor and backup detector failure. Important safety equipment. Updated 06/10/14

- Burnsville, MN, USA

Premature failure of important safety equipment - rear blind spot sensors. Diagnosed with internal failure and cost of repairs was verbally estimated by dealer at close to $3,000. Safety equipment like this, one of the reasons this vehicle was purchased by an elderly couple, should not fail this early and at this expense.

- Appleton, WI, USA