Investigations
Post 14V-391 Headliner Fires
NHTSA Recall Query RQ15003 - closed, opened 2015-05-01 and involving the CHRYSLER CHRYSLER.
NHTSA investigation RQ15003 is a Recall Query opened on 2015-05-01 and currently closed. The subject of record is CHRYSLER CHRYSLER, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for CHRYSLER. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2016-07-06 - NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Recall Query like RQ15003 evaluates whether a previously issued recall is actually fixing the problem. NHTSA opens an RQ when owners continue to report the original defect after the recall remedy is installed, or when completion rates fall short of the agency's expectations for that risk tier.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "In response to this investigation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a recall to address headliner fires that occur post 14V-391. On December 22, 2015 FCA notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related CHRYSLER files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
In response to this investigation, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is conducting a recall to address headliner fires that occur post 14V-391. On December 22, 2015 FCA notified the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of safety recall 15V-879 to remedy potential headliner fires occurring in 389,252 model year (MY) 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from December 3, 2009 to September 1, 2012. Note this recall, which was scoped based on vehicle design level and field events, does not include all MY 2013 or any MY 2014 Durango and Grand Cherokee vehicles; ODI and FCA will continue to monitor the field experience for this population. ODI opened this investigation based on allegations of fires occurring in the headliner area after the remedy for recall 14V-391 had been conducted. Recall 14V-391 involved MY 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured by FCA from January 5, 2010 to December 11, 2013. The recall was influenced by ODI investigation EA14-001. During EA14-001, data provided by FCA indicated fires were caused by an electrical short in the vanity lamp wiring for either visor. Visors are mounted to the (metal) roof of the vehicle through the headliner with three screws. EA14-001 determined it was possible for the wiring to be pierced or abraded by one of the screws, or otherwise become electrically shorted either during initial vehicle assembly or subsequent headliner area repairs presenting a fire risk. Most of the fires occurred while the vehicle was being driven. The 14V-391 remedy consisted of installing a plastic guide way on each visor to route wiring away from the attachment screws and prevent electrical shorting. Additionally abrasion resistant tape was installed in key areas to protect the wiring integrity. In order to install the guide, the headliner had to be lowered and the existing visor and headliner wiring rerouted, a somewhat complex procedure that required sufficient service technician
About This Investigation Type
A Recall Query (RQ) evaluates the effectiveness of a previously issued recall. NHTSA opens an RQ when consumer complaints suggest that a recall remedy may not be adequately addressing the safety issue, or when the recall completion rate appears insufficient.
Other CHRYSLER Investigations
Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures
Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failures
Engine Stall With Intermittent Restart
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.