Investigation EA94005: 1984–1994 Dodge Caravan

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Jan 31, 1994

Closed

Oct 25, 1995

Model years

1984–1994

Subject

Liftgate latches

Component: Body and 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.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 1994 Dodge Caravan644 complaints
• 1993 Dodge Caravan949 complaints
• 1992 Dodge Caravan913 complaints
• 1991 Dodge Caravan617 complaints
• 1990 Dodge Caravan278 complaints
• 1989 Dodge Caravan191 complaints
• 1988 Dodge Caravan103 complaints
• 1987 Dodge Caravan69 complaints
• 1986 Dodge Caravan49 complaints
• 1985 Dodge Caravan49 complaints
• 1984 Dodge Caravan18 complaints