Investigation SQ96016: 1995–1997 Chrysler Town And Country

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Sep 18, 1996

Closed

Feb 4, 1997

Model years

1995–1997

Subject

Integrated child seat belt lockup

Component: Seat belts › Integrated child seat

Summary

Odi continues to receive complaints alleging latching/retractor mechanism problems.chrysler's assessment of the problem indicates that owners of the vehicles are not adhering to the cleaning requirements for the seat.the seat appears to malfunction if crumbs of food or beverage residue accumulates on the latching tongue in thewell located between the child's legs.odi has 19 complaints of retract lockup.seven of these complaints report cutting the straps to remove the child.two of the seven consumers allege the child was choking.chrysler reports 60 owner/field reports which indicated 19 harnesses were cut to remove the children.additional information is needed to fully assess the safety consequence of the alleged defect and to evaluate the chrysler corporation's rational for not conducting a safety recall campaign.

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

• 1997 Chrysler Town And Country388 complaints
• 1996 Chrysler Town And Country938 complaints
• 1995 Chrysler Town And Country58 complaints