In August 2024, the airbag system in a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (VIN: [XXX] ) deployed unexpectedly while the vehicle was parked and not in operation. There was no collision, impact, or known external trigger at the time of deployment. The malfunction involved the airbag restraint system and/or related electrical or control components. An unexpected airbag deployment creates a serious safety concern because it could injure vehicle occupants or bystanders and indicates a potential defect in the restraint system. The vehicle was immediately taken to Banister Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Hampton, Virginia, where it has remained since the incident. To the best of our knowledge, the vehicle has remained in dealership/manufacturer custody and should be available for inspection. The manufacturer indicated they were reviewing the matter and determining the value of the vehicle; however, despite extended time passing, no repair, replacement, or written resolution has been provided. The issue has not been reproduced because the vehicle has remained out of service since the incident. It is UNKNOWN whether the precise cause has been formally confirmed by the manufacturer or dealership. No injuries occurred, but the incident placed the safety of the owners and others at risk because a critical safety restraint system deployed without warning while the vehicle was stationary. Documented the federal safety agency recalls affecting Dodge Grand Caravan airbag systems and related models demonstrate prior manufacturer awareness of airbag-related safety defects. Although this VIN currently shows no open recall, the spontaneous deployment raises concern regarding unresolved or inadequately corrected airbag system defects. No known warning lamps or dashboard messages were specifically recalled prior to the incident. Any additional warning indicators are UNKNOWN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2009 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags problems
137 complaints (25% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 82,000. 6 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 137
- of this car's complaints
- 25%
- typical mileage
- 82,000
- crashes
- 6
- recalls
- 3
Which part fails
- Frontal1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Dodge Grand Caravan airbags problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan and 2007-2011 Dodge Nitro vehicles. These vehicles may have a loose or missing brand emblem in the center of the steering wheel. The loose emblem or the securing nuts for the emblem within the driver air bag module may become projectiles in the event of a driver air bag deployment.
- Risk
- Projectiles as a result of driver air bag deployment in the event of a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W09.
Recall number 20V396000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June 18, 2007, to August 31, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the air bag control units may corrode and fail.
- Risk
- If the air bag control unit fails, the air bags may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of occupant injury. Additionally, the air bags may inadvertently deploy, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag control unit, free of charge. The recall began on December 6, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S07.
Recall number 16V047000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured June 29, 2007, to June 17, 2010, and 2008-2010 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured January 26, 2007, to June 17, 2010. Road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R03. Note: This is an expansion of recall 11V‑139.
Recall number 14V373000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Air Bag Non-Deployment/Engine Stall
In March 2011 Chrysler submitted a defect information report for the federal safety agency Recall No. 11V139 declaring a defect condition that could cause the ignition key to inadvertently move from the RUN to the ACC position on model year (MY) 2010 Dodge Journey, Grand Caravan, and Chrysler Town and Country.The report identified engine stalling as the defect consequence and cited customer complaints and warranty claims, as well as two rear-end collisions, as leading to the recall action.Chrysler determined that a defective WIN module, which is effectively the equivalent of the ignition switch, was the cause of the inadvertent key rotation, and that a new design WIN module would be installed as a remedy.In Spring 2014 ODI conducted outreach to major light vehicle manufacturers regarding ignition key position and its effect on air bag system availability.The outreach was conducted in connection with the federal safety agency Recall No. 14V047, a recent recall involving inadvertent ignition key rotation and subsequent air bag disablement in certain GM products.During discussions held in April 2014, Chrysler advised ODI that Chrysler air bag systems of this vintage, including the subject vehicles, revert to energy reserve when the ignition key moves to the ACC or OFF position, and that under energy reserve the air bags would only be available for a short period, approximately two tenths of a second (ODI notes this consequence was not identified in the 11V139 recall report).A review of the ODI consumer database conducted after the April 2014 discussions identified complaints alleging that MY 2008-2009 vehicles may have a similar defect as the MY 2010 vehicles, and that some MY 2010 consumers reported experiencing ignition key position concerns after the 11V139 recall remedy was applied.Accordingly this investigation was opened.In response to ODI?s information request letter, Chrysler reported that MY 2008-2009 subject vehicles used the same design WIN module as the recalled vehicles, and also identified 66 consumer reports and one non-injury crash incident potentially related to inadvertent ignition key rotation.Chrysler?s review of the MY 2010 remedy used in 11V139, which involved installation of a Trim Ring as opposed to replacement of the WIN module, showed the remedy did not adequately address ignition key position concerns, and in some use-cases could cause other systems to operate improperly (radio, instrument panel lighting, HVAC fan motor, etc.).Chrysler subsequently filed multiple defect information reports to 1) add the MY 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, and the MY 2009 Dodge Journey to the original recall scope, and 2) stating that the complete WIN module would be replaced with a new design component in all recalled vehicles (including those that had the Trim Ring installed during 11V139).Chrysler?s report also advises of constrained remedy parts availability, see the federal safety agency Recall No. 14V373 for further details.Accordingly, the investigation is closed based on the recall action Chrysler is undertaking.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10584873, 10583399, 10573295, 10566365, 10546805, 10513060, 10509284, 10503121, 10496599, 10475027, 10456099, 10450629, 10443680, 10422766, 10410447, 10409269, 10402947, 10402751, 10402660, 10396943, 10394957, 10356632, 10315972
RQ14002
What 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while parked with the keys out of the ignition, the contact heard a loud pop coming from the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side deployed without impact. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to inform the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Airbag light came on when started vehicle and never turned off. Took it in to dealer and was told it was my battery causing the light. Replaced the battery and they re-did the diagnostic and they told me the orc module is bad due to the battery. They said my battery was charging to 1000 volts and was only supposed to be 800volts. So now I am stuck with a bill for $631. I was told that the same year model had a recall for this reason and mine didn't qualify because it was made 23 days after the recal notice s07. The van is in the shop currently waiting on the part.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge grand caravan. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The contact found that the vehicle was previously involved in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v373000 (electrical system, air bags). The vehicle received the recall repair for the replacement of the ignition switch; however, several years later, the part that was replaced began exhibiting the same failures indicated in the original recall. The contact stated that the ignition switch would move from the run position to turning off the engine. The contact had not spoken with the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage was 187,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge grand caravan. While the vehicle was parked, the air bags deployed without warning after shutting the driver's side door. The passenger side air bag struck and shattered the windshield. The air bag warning indicator did not illuminate prior to the failure. The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The chrysler manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 251,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 dodge grand caravan. After the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v373000 (electrical system, air bags), it hesitated to start and all the electrical functions failed. It took numerous attempts to start the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. Goldy chrysler dodge jeep ram (187 kinetic dr, huntington, wv 25701, (304) 781-0555) performed the recall repair, but the failure recurred. The vehicle had not been repaired a second time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
The AC drain leaks water under the dash when the AC is on and may affect the air bag wiring or other electrical functions. This problem was identified in 2011, bulletin k31, but my VIN was not included. I have the same make, model, year and problem as the recalled cars. Why is my car not included in this recall?? I have struggled with this recurring issue since 2014!!!
The airbag light illuminated, similar to the problem with existing recalls on earlier model dodge grand caravans
The occupant restraint controller has failed. I was wondering, even though my VIN is not part of the recall would I still be eligible to get this repaired under the recall?
- on 12/01/2017 the airbag indicator light on the dashboard is lit. I noticed the airbag indicator light when I turned the car on. - on 12/28/2017 the drivers side window stopped working. It stopped working when I turned the car on and attempted to put the window down.
Questions about the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags
Does the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 137 complaints about the airbags of the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan, 25% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 82,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan airbags?
Yes, 3 recalls: 20V396000, 16V047000, 14V373000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Dodge Grand Caravan have bad airbags?
The Dodge Grand Caravan model years with the most airbags complaints are 2008 (294 complaints), 1996 (211 complaints) and 2010 (144 complaints).
Other 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan problems
Electrical 334Brakes 64Engine 51Tires 36Steering 23Transmission 20Wheels 20Driver assistance 15Fuel system 12Acceleration 10Visibility 9Suspension 8Body 7Seat belts 5Lights 3Locks 3Seats 1
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