All Investigations » Investigation EA04013

  Defect Investigation of Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure

Investigation of Driver Air Bag Clockspring Failure

Subject: Driver air bag clockspring failure
Components covered:
  • Front air bags
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on Jun. 4, 2004. It was closed on May. 25, 2005. Note: this investigation has resulted in a vehicle safety recall.
The driver air bag clockspring can develop an open-circuit condition resulting in nonfunctional driver-side frontal air bag, horn, cruise control (if equipped), and/or steering wheel radio control (if equipped). In its October 5, 2004 letter to NHTSA, daimlerchrysler stated that it will conduct a safety recall and replace the clockspring assembly on all my 1998. 5-2000 daimlerchrysler minivans, built between March 1998 and August 2000, with 70,000 miles or less. It will also provide a lifetime warranty for this component on my 1998. 5-2000 minivans, regardless of mileage. The details of the corrective action are described in daimlerchrysler's letter (see recall no. 04v-480). The agency believes that further expenditure of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists with respect to those vehicles covered only by the lifetime warranty. The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See page 2 for additional information.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 1998 Chrysler Town & Country
  • 1999 Chrysler Town & Country
  • 2000 Chrysler Town & Country
  • 1998 Dodge Caravan
  • 1999 Dodge Caravan
  • 2000 Dodge Caravan
  • 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 1998 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  • 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  • 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager
  • 1998 Plymouth Voyager
  • 1999 Plymouth Voyager
  • 2000 Plymouth Voyager

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