Chrysler SUV’s and Minivans Recalled Due to Projectile Hazard During Airbag Deployment

More than one million Chrysler Minivans and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are being recalled, due to a risk that the emblem and locking clips on the steering wheel may become projectiles if the airbags are deployed, following at least 14 reports of injury among vehicle occupants following an accident.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan recall on July 13, due to the serious injuries that may result if drivers or passengers are struck by the steering wheel emblem or fasteners under the pressure of an airbag deployment.

According to Chrysler’s investigation, the vehicles were manufactured with an emblem on the steering wheel fastened by clips that may loosen and disengage over time. In this event, the clips and plastic emblem may become projectiles if the driver side steering wheel air bag is deployed, increasing the risk of serious injury.

Chrysler first learned of the issue on December 18, 2019, and opened an investigation after receiving their first field report of the emblem and securing fasteners detaching during airbag deployment. From December 2019 to June 2020, FCA has received a total of 14 incidents potentially relating to the issue.

The recall includes approximately 1.2 million model year 2008 through 2010 Chrysler Town & Country, 2008 through 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan, and 2007 through 2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles manufactured by Chrysler FCA US LLC and distributed for sale throughout the United States and abroad.

An estimated 362,933 Chrysler Town & Country, 363,688 Dodge Grand Caravan, and 198,618 Dodge Nitro vehicles were distributed for sale in the United States. Another 275,000 impacted models were distributed for sale to countries outside of the United States.

Chrysler announced it will begin notifying customers of the recall and will provide instructions on how to schedule a free repair appointment at their local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to replace the driver’s air bag cover with a redesigned cover.

The recall is expected to begin on August 26, 2020 when replacement parts become available. Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall are encouraged to contact FCA US LLC customers service at 1-800-853-1403 and reference the recall campaign number Chrysler’s number W09.