Investigation PE05061: 2005 Chrysler Town And Country

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Nov 10, 2005

Closed

Mar 8, 2006

Model years

2005

Subject

Front air bag crash sensor failure

Component: Air bags › Frontal

Summary

The model year (my) 2005 daimlerchrysler (dc) minivans have the new advanced frontal air bag systems with two front crash sensors mounted on the frame rails behind the front bumper and a main crash sensor inside the air bag control module mounted in the passenger compartment.according to dc, the front crash sensors are designed to optimize detection of frontal offset and angular crashes.the advanced air bag system offers different levels of air bag inflation based on input from the crash sensors.this investigation revealed that the front crash sensors can corrode from water entering the sensor assembly.dc is still investigating all potential root causes of sensor failures.a corroded sensor can set a fault code, illuminate the air bag warning lamp, and become disabled.it appears that failure of one or both front crash sensors can potentially result in no/late deployment of frontal air bags and non-deployment of driver's higher inflation levels in certain frontal crashes.it should be noted that occupants of vehicles involved in a crash may not be aware of late or improperly reduced level of air bag inflation and thus field reporting of such events may be suppressed.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea06-003) for further investigation of my 2005 (and 2006) dc minivans.note: total number of odi and manufacturer complaints includes some duplicate reports.

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

• 2005 Chrysler Town And Country857 complaints