1994 Dodge GRAND CARAVAN NHTSA Investigations
Defect Investigations
The following investigations on the Dodge GRAND CARAVAN have been announced by the ODI. Interested in how this information is collected? Read more about investigations by the NHTSA.
Recent 1994 GRAND CARAVAN Investigations
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SAFETY BLT LATCH OPERATION Defect Investigation for the 1994 GRAND CARAVAN
Vehicle Component: Seat Belts
Summary: There is no summary currently available
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE96008 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on June 28 1996 and no recall was issued.
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STEERING WHEEL SEPARATION Defect Investigation for the 1994 GRAND CARAVAN
Vehicle Component: Steering*
Summary: Steering wheel separation can result from a crack in the steering wheel armature stamping, separating the steering column shaft from the steering wheel
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ00011 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on April 01 2002 and there was a recall ordered: #96V229000
* This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION Defect Investigation for the 1994 GRAND CARAVAN
Vehicle Component: Steering:Column
Summary: Mr. larry a. sackey submitted a petition to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by letter dated April 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the "defective collapsible steering shaft system" on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the DaimlerChrysler corporation. In part because of 49 cfr § 30120(G), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models, excluding the 1993 Jeep grand Cherokee and 1994-1995 Dodge Ram series trucks that were recalled (93V210 & 96V230) for steering column failure. If the analysis of these vehicles had identified a potential problem, the scope could have been expanded in an investigation. A review of ODI's data base shows no recent complaints and a lack of a complaint trend concerning the subject issue on the subject vehicles as a whole or by individual models. Therefore, the petition is denied. For details, see federal register notice volume 68, no. 130, July 8, 2003.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #DP03002 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on July 22 2003 and no recall was issued.
LIFTGATE LATCHES Defect Investigation for the 1994 GRAND CARAVAN
Vehicle Component: Structure
Summary: 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.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA94005 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on October 25 1995 and there was a recall ordered: #95I001000
AIR BAG CIRCUIT/WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR Defect Investigation for the 1994 GRAND CARAVAN
Vehicle Component: Visibility
Summary: Alleged air bag assemblies and the rear wiper motor in these vehicles share the same fuse. Failure of the rear wiper motor or a high current condition may cause the fuse to open thus activating the air bag warning light.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE97049 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on March 17 1998 and no recall was issued.