2015 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN

EQUIPMENT

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, and 2014-2015 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured August 16, 2014, to December 5, 2015. The windshield on the affected vehicles may have been installed using expired urethane primer, allowing the windshield to become displaced in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 212, "Windshield Mounting."

Risk: If the windshield dislodges during a crash, there is an increased risk of occupant injury.

SEATS

The part that failed on the 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan was the Active Head Restraint (AHR) on the passenger seat. It suddenly deployed while driving smoothly. The vehicle was going about 15 mph and there was no sudden impacts or movement that would have caused the AHR to deploy. It is available for inspection upon request. The safety of the passenger was put at risk by the potential impact of the headrest unexpectedly hitting their head that could cause physical harm. The deployment also caused a loud noise that acted as a distraction to the driver. The problem has not been reproduced as far as I know. I have seen others on multiple websites reporting the same failure of the AHR. The headrest has not been inspected as of the day of this incident report. There were no warnings or symptoms that would have led me to believe something was potentially wrong with the headrest.

SEATS

The passenger headrest deployed when traveling down the road without being in a collision. The passenger has hit in the back on head with headrest going down the road. I took the vehicle to my closest dealership and they advise me to call stellantis customer care and report it. I has informed that the X87 warranty extension recently expired. I was told it would have to be an out of pocket expense even though it is a safety risk.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to change gear, the transmission started slipping. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, where it was determined that the transmission solenoid might be defective. The transmission solenoid was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact decelerated and then accelerated, and the transmission slipped and made an abnormal winding sound. Additionally, while the vehicle was idling and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle slightly jerked for several minutes. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the transmission pump displayed low pressure; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V461000 (Power Train), and the mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact called the manufacturer but was unable to speak to a live representative. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. While the contact's husband was driving 15 MPH, the front passenger's side headrest detached from the base and struck the contact in the back of the head extremely hard. The air bag had not deployed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a detached headrest air bag. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The contact sustained a neck injury; however, no medical attention was needed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

ENGINE

Check Engine Light put out a code for Catalytic Converter failure and Emissions status is Red. The catalytic converter is responsible for converting harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones, and a failing converter can lead to a check engine light.

POWER TRAIN

I purchased a CPO 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan in February 2020 at around 18,000 miles (CPO warranty up 3-11-22). 18 months later I had to have transmission work done because it was having major issues (they repaired adapter housing and trans cooler line/hoses). 3 months after that I had more transmission work done because the same problems reappeared (they worked on trans pan leak and trans filter change). At this appointment, we asked the dealer that if anything else happens to the transmission around the date of the CPO warranty would a new trans be covered and they said of course. Well 8 days after the warranty expired (3-19-22), the car had to be towed Fieldhouse CDJR because the transmission was shot. A new transmission was put after sitting at the dealership for three months and they said that the trans wasn't under warranty and was $4500. I had to open a case with fca (82695547) in order for them to even start work on the van because they didn't touch it until I got in touch with fca. I was told I would pay $1800 and you would pay $2700. Well the dealership charged me $2700 also so they got $5600 total for that $4500 job. I received a check of the difference from fca and that issue was solved. However, the transmission AGAIN failed 4 months later in October 2022. I took it back to the same dealership because I thought that's where I had to take it because they just did the install. It sat there for 5 months (2-17-2023) until I opened ANOTHER case with fca (85204403) and they replaced the transmission again. It was warrantied until February 17, 2025. The transmission was fine until march 10 2025. Less than three weeks after this warranty expired I lost my transmission AGAIN. Fca says I have to now pay for diagnosis and purchase extended warranty to get any discounted work even though I’ve had 3 faulty transmissions and now have to purchase a 4th that will also probably only make it to JUST past the parts warranty.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission has begun to slip in first gear and has shaking noticeable between 35-45 miles an hour and again much more noticeable shaking from 55-65 miles an hour. Letting off the accelerator seems to assist in this issue. There is an open recall for the transmission of this year vehicle for the transmission pump failing. For some reason our vehicle is not included in this recall. It is available for inspection, and I have contacted a dealer that already informed me the issue is not under the recall, but that the transmission is going bad and will probably no longer function by the end of this year due to the pump failure. I am not sure why our vehicle would have been excluded from this recall as this is a known issue. There are no check engine lights on and we were told by the dealership that the lights would not come on until the transmission failed due to the pump issue not a low fluid or sensor issue. I am going to have a second mechanic look at the vehicle tomorrow and I can provide further information at that point.