Safety Problems: Chrysler-Plymouth & Dodge Minivans
June 11, 2001
Dodge first introduced its Caravan minivan in 1983. The 2001 Dodge Caravan was named a Consumer Reports "Best Buy" in 2000 and was also named a Readers' Choice All Star for Best Minivan by Automobile Magazine's readers. The Plymouth Voyager, the Caravan's sister car, was also introduced in 1983. Since then, over eight million Voyagers have been sold.
Concerns about the safety of these minivans have come to light. Recently, a former Chrysler executive came forward to inform consumers about a small $9 safety device that Chrysler decided not to use in its minivans. All other auto manufacturers currently include this safety device in their minivans. It is called a "brake shift interlock" and requires that the brake pedal be depressed before the gearshift can be moved. The device prevents accidents caused when young children accidentally put the car in gear while the key is in the ignition. This kind of "roll away" accident recently killed a mother who was pregnant with twins.
Other safety concerns have plagued this family of vans recently. Following an announcement that the sliding doors on its minivans nearly came off during government crash tests, Chrysler announced that it would replace the locks on nearly 140,000 minivans. The minivans affected by this June 1, 2001 announcement include Chrysler Town and Country, Chrysler Voyager, Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan. Approximately one-third of Chrysler's 2001 model year minivans were affected. While all these minivans received high safety ratings for protecting the front and backseat passengers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) crash tests caused concern over the likelihood of ejection if the doors failed.
In April 2001, Chrysler announced a voluntary recall of nearly 11,000 minivans. This included the 2001 Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler Voyager (formerly the Plymouth Voyager), Dodge Caravan and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans that were built between March 22 and April 21, 2000. According to Chrysler, there was a problem with the front suspension that could cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. The company urged the minivans' owners not to drive the vans until the problem was fixed.
In March 2001, NHTSA stepped up its inquiry into reports of Chrysler minivan's with airbags that would not deploy. There were over 160 complaints that an electrical system, which provides power to the horn, driver side airbags and cruise control, was not working properly. NHTSA investigators are concerned that if the horn and cruise control are not working, then the airbags will also not deploy when needed. This investigation includes model years 1996 through 2000 of the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan, Plymouth Voyager and Grand Voyager and the Chrysler Town and Country.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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