NHTSA opens sliding door safety probe into Dodge Caravan & Chrysler Town and Country
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has opened a preliminary evaluation to assess potential issues with the power sliding doors on 2016 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.
NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation said it had received more than 450 consumer complaints stating that one or both of the sliding doors on those vehicles could not be opened either by using the mechanical handle or electronic remote switches or controls. In the complaints, consumers describe having to "remove passengers in the rear of the vehicle through the front doors, the second sliding door (if it was operational), the windows or the rear hatch of the vehicle."
Over 225,000 vehicles may be impacted here.
The office summary from NHSTA states:
NHTSA Action Number: PE21016
Components LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Opened From: July 9, 2021–Present
Summary
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 476 consumer complaints alleging one or both of the sliding doors on 2016 Model Year (MY)Grand Caravan or Town and Country vehicles could not be opened. The door(s) could not be opened either by using the mechanical handle or electronic remote switches or controls. Many of the complaints describe consumers having to remove passengers in the rear of the vehicle through the front doors, the second sliding door (if it was operational), the windows, or the rear hatch of the vehicle. The complainants express concern that in the event of an emergency or crash, if the sliding door(s) cannot be opened, it could trap passengers or delay their egress.
ODI also received a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 10177524) issued by the manufacturer on August 10, 2016 that instructs technicians on replacing either one or both of the sliding door lock actuators when the consumer describes either one or both sliding door locks not functioning and/or emitting a loud buzzing noise during lock/unlock operation. After discussing the TSB with the manufacturer they described a defect that was identified in the lock actuator that could lead to the locks failing or creating the buzzing noise.
ODI is opening this investigation to evaluate the scope, frequency, and consequence of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles. The VOQs cited above can be reviewed at: https://www.nhtsa.gov/ using the complaint identification numbers attached to this resume.