NHTSA Defect Investigation #RQ09003

FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILURE: Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module

OPEN

possible recall

2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN -- In 2006, ODI investigated (EA06-003) corrosion related failures of the frame rail-mounted front air bag crash sensors in model year (MY) 2005-2006 Chrysler minivans (Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, and Chrysler town and country). Chrysler initially produced subject vehicles containing crash sensors with brass bushings and then at a later date changed to steel bushings. ODI found a significant failure trend in subject vehicles located in salt belt states due to corrosion of sensors with brass bushings. As a result of the investigation, Chrysler conducted a recall (07V-192) for MY 2005 Chrysler minivans in salt belt states and built between April 24, 2003 and February 2, 2005 to replace the front crash sensors with brass bushings. The recall covered vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in 27 states (Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. Currently, ODI is aware of increased failure reporting for the crash sensors with steel bushings in salt belt states. ODI has opened a recall query to investigate this issue. Investigation was initiated on July 01 2009. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ09003 »

NHTSA Defect Investigation #EA06003

FRONT AIR BAG CRASH SENSOR FAILURE: Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module**

RECALL »

Recall #07V192000

** This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
2006 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN -- DaimlerChrysler (DCC) will replace the frame rail-mounted front air bag crash sensors in approximately 270,958 MY 2005 DaimlerChrysler minivans (NHTSA recall no. 07V-192). These vehicles are equipped with front crash sensors with brass bushings and were built between April 24, 2003 and February 2, 2005. This action covers vehicles originally sold, or currently registered, in 27 states (Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin) and the District of Columbia. Vehicles sold or currently registered outside of these states, approximately 133,128 MY 2005 minivans, will receive a lifetime warranty on the front crash sensors. Although these vehicles use the same brass bushing sensors and were built during the same period as the ones described above, they experience significantly lower failure rates because of reduced road salt exposure. DCC will also provide written notification to all affected vehicle owners. NHTSA and DCC differ regarding the significance and impact of the defect, but in the interest of remedying the affected vehicles expeditiously and to avoid a protracted dispute, DCC is implementing steps to replace the subject components. Based on these actions, the Agency has decided that further use of its 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 no safety-related defect exists in the subject vehicles. The Agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. Select document search for additional information. Investigation was initiated on March 08 2006. Closed on May 22 2007. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA06003 »