Chyrsler Recalls Certain 2005-2006 Dodge Caravans

Vehicle Make / Model:		Model Year(s):
CHRYSLER / TOWN AND COUNTRY		2005-2006
DODGE / CARAVAN		2005-2006
DODGE / GRAND CARAVAN		2005-2006
Manufacturer: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC		Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 07, 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V008000		RQ09003 NHTSA Action Number: RQ09003

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 312442

Summary: CHRYSLER IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN INVOLVING MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 DODGE CARAVAN, GRAND CARAVAN AND CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, NORTH DAKOTA, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, SOUTH DAKOTA, TENNESSEE, UTAH, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, ALASKA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS MAY CRACK UNDER CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND ALLOW WATER TO ENTER INTO THE SENSOR. THIS CAN CAUSE THE SENSOR TO BECOME INOPERATIVE AND ILLUMINATE THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. THESE SENSORS WERE ADDED TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IN CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASHES.

Consequence: IF THE FRONT CRASH SENSORS BECOME INOPERATIVE, THE DRIVER IS IMMEDIATELY ALERTED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE PROMPTLY SERVICED. UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS REPAIRED, THE AIRBAGS MAY NOT PROVIDE THE ENHANCED PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS WITH A NEW DESIGN. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN DURING JUNE 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Notes: CHRYSLER’S CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS J38. THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, CHRYSLER HAS INFORMED NHTSA THAT IT WILL PROVIDE THE MODIFICATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE AT NO COST.

Comments

Mark T. Vallese says

March 1, 2010 at 11:10 pm

That’s funny, I just got off the phone with a Dodge customer service rep and I was told that there is no recall at the moment. I was told if there is a recall, I would be notified in writing. Meanwhile, I just paid $276.19 plus 8% sales tax to have this front airbag sensor replaced back in September. I guess I will just have to kep calling back until I get a customer service rep who knows something.

Nomore Dodge says

June 6, 2010 at 4:32 am

Same here. I don’t understand why other states (like Texas) are not included. I’m having the same front airbag sensor problem and they are telling me that because the van was purchased in Texas, it is not covered. Next van will be a Honda or Toyota.

Ash says

June 7, 2010 at 2:05 am

My Budd Lake NJ dealer has not alerted me to this recall at all.

Bill says

July 19, 2010 at 2:04 pm

Have a 2006 Grand Caravan in april had both sensors replaced , I see the recalls on line but no notice sent to me . As a tech i know the importance it is to be working correctly. Still as of today have not heard from them.

Kim says

October 26, 2010 at 7:54 pm

I have a 2005 Dodge Caravan, bought in VT, now in Massachusetts. Meets all the criteria for the recall, but when I spoke to Dodge, they told me that my caravan isn’t covered. Out of over 350,000 with the same problem, and mine isn’t covered. It failed inspection, so now I have to get it fixed, and I don’t have the money…Maybe I should trade it for a Toyota, at least they recall every vehicle…