My vehicle caught fire on 10-14 after being parked for 2.5 hours. Three weeks prior I had bumped into a light pole while backing up and my airbag light triggered on. The airbag did not deploy and nothing seemed wrong with the van. Then my battery died so I had to have it jumped. It died 3-4 times before I replaced it with a fresh battery 10-7. I did smell heat, but I attributed it to my oil leak, but I think I was smelling wires, not oil. I went by an autoparts store and they read my old battery temp and it was at 173 and didn’t say it was hot or anything. I don’t think that was safe to put a new battery in when there was obviously a problem. The airbag light consistently dinged off and on but since the airbag didn’t deploy I didn’t think it was any problem. But now I think it was slow draining the battery and then the new one kept charging it causing something to overheat and catch fire.
Dodge Grand Caravan no deployment problems
136 of the 13,443 owner complaints about the Dodge Grand Caravan describe airbags did not deploy in a crash, most of them for the 1998 model year.
- owner complaints
- 136
- worst model year
- 1998
- typical repair cost reported
- $6,000
- typical mileage
- 76,000
By model year
Often reported together
Airbag light 12Seat belt 6Brake failure 6Stalling 4Headlights 4Loss of power 3Engine failure 3Adaptive cruise 3
What owners say
The contact owns a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 55 MPH, the front driver's side headrest deployed from the base and struck the contact's son. The failure occurred without being in an accident. There was no warning light illuminated, and the air bag did not deploy. The contact's son sustained severe pain in the neck. Medical attention was sought at an urgent care facility. The contact's son received two steroid shots due to the neck pain. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 225,000.
The contact owned a 2016 Dodge Caravan. The contact stated that while her son was drunk driving and passed out at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed into a sign and a guardrail causing the vehicle to flip over and come to a stop at a ditch. The contact stated the vehicle was in a previous collision where the air bags deployed and had to be replaced. The contact stated during this collision the police report confirmed the steering wheel, driver's knee and passenger dash air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained minor injuries that required medical treatment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was totaled. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
On 7/1/2023 my vehicle began to malfunction while driving - power was flickering with EMC drive error flashing. When this happened, I was at a complete stop in traffic, so I put it in park, then restarted. Everything seemed to be fine, but I was cautious. The same thing happened again, so I pulled into a parking lot and went inside a store for a few minutes. I got back in the car, started the vehicle, then before pulling out into traffic, the center console reported a flashing error again, so I put it in park and restarted again, put my hazard lights on, then pulled away. I was consciously trying to stay a few car lengths behind vehicles ahead because I was nervous about what was going on and just wanted to keep away from other vehicles. I made it to an intersection where there was a red light with 2 cars ahead of me. I began braking and decelerated to around 5 MPH and within 30 feet of the vehicle in front of me when the vehicle lost power to the brake. I don’t recall if the steering also went out. I hit the bumper of the car in front of me, and her car was pushed into the car in front of her. Fortunately, I did not sustain any injuries. My airbags did not go off. My confidence in this equipment is seriously affected. How will I know this will not happen again? I could have died or taken the lives of other people. I requested that the company MobilityWorks not make any repairs to the vehicle until they explain the origin of the problem. Instead they replaced parts and stated they could not replicate the problem--it took them 6+ months to return the vehicle to me & the headlights do not even work. They refuse to inform me of what the malfunction was but cite neglected vehicle maintenance. I can document consistent vehicle maintenance. I refuse to drive this vehicle as it is clearly compromised. They aren't being transparent and should be required by law to notify disabled individuals including veterans of this risk. These modified vehicles are death traps!
Was hit in the side and in my Dodge minivan the side curtain airbags never deployed. The van was a total loss so was the car that hit me and his airbag did deploy. I did injure my lower back and shoulder.
Front driver head on collision passenger curtain airbags failed to deploy and passenger front air bag exploded also third row drivers side passenger seat belt failed. Passenger flew to passenger side of seat and head shattered window and sustained head injuries which could've possibly been prevented by curtain air bag deployment 55mph head on collision driverside focused due to veering vehicle hasn't been inspected by insurance company yet only personal mechanic.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the rear driver’s side moving the vehicle approximately 5ft. The air bags failed to deploy. As a result, the contact and his son sustained soreness in the neck. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was damaged and towed to a tow yard. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
I hit a deer; air bag light came on but the air bags did not deploy.
The contact owned a 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed however, the brakes failed to operate causing the vehicle to rear-end another vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The passenger-side airbag deployed upon impact; however, the driver’s side air bag failed to deploy causing the contact to impact the steering wheel. The contact was taken from the scene to a hospital and was treated for bruising to both knees and head. No other injuries were reported from the accident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. A VIN search showed there were two open recalls on the vehicle; the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V234000 (Electrical System) and 20V396000 (Air Bags, Steering). The dealer nor the manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Dodge Grand Caravan. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The air bags warning light illuminated. The contact stated that her face hit the steering wheel. A police report was filed. The contact drove to the nearest hospital, however, she was unconscious upon arrival and was transported inside the hospital. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact had been seeking medical assistance. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that her VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
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
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
- Risk
- Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T33.
Recall number 17V376000 · 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
Air bags
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured June 11, 2013, through June 12, 2013. The occupant restraint control module (ORC) has incorrect software installed which may adversely affect air bag deployments in collisions. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection" and No. 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy, or deploys improperly, may increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ORC module, free of charge. The recall began on October 3, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N48.
Recall number 13V291000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2013 Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and RAM C/V Tradesman vehicles manufactured May 10, 2012, through June 7, 2013. A software error may result in the opposite side airbags deploying from the collision point (a left side impact would deploy the right side airbags and vice versa).
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the wrong side airbags could deploy leaving the occupant with no airbag protection at the point of impact, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will flash the occupant restraint control module, free of charge. The recall began during September 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1‑800‑247‑9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N44.
Recall number 13V283000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 dodge caravan, grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, iowa, illinois, indiana, kansas, kentucky, massachusetts, maine, maryland, michigan, minnesota, missouri, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, north dakota, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south dakota, tennessee, utah, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, alaska and the district of columbia. The front crash sensors may crack under certain environmental conditions and allow water to enter into the sensor. This can cause the sensor to become inoperative and illuminate the airbag warning light. These sensors were added to enhance the performance of the airbag system in certain frontal crashes.
- Risk
- If the front crash sensors become inoperative, the driver is immediately alerted by illumination of the airbag warning light and the vehicle should be promptly serviced. Until the vehicle is repaired, the airbags may not provide the enhanced protection in the event of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will replace the front airbag sensors with a new design. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety improvement campaign will begin during june 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 10V008000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- On certain minivans, the driver's air bag may become disabled due to a failure of the clockspring, which is located in the hub of the steering wheel.
- Risk
- This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all covered vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. For those vehicles with more than 70,000 miles, daimlerchrysler will offer an extended lifetime warranty under which it will replace the clockspring at no charge if it fails. Daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. The recall began on october 12, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V480000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- On certain mini vans, the clockspring assembly may have been wound incorrectly during the vehicle assembly process.
- Risk
- This condition will manifest itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and could eventually result in a driver's air bag open circuit, if the part is not replaced in a reasonable amount of time.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the clockspring assembly on all vehicles with 70,000 miles or less. An extended lifetime warranty will also be placed on this component for all affected vehicles, regardless of mileage. Daimlerchrysler will also reimburse owners who have paid to have the clockspring replaced on their vehicles. Owner notification began november 18, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 02V293000 · Recall details
Air bags
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: mini vans. The wiring that initiates the driver and/or passenger air bag could electrically short circuit to ground. A short circuit to ground that exists immediately after turning the ignition key to the "on" or "start" position can cause the air bag(s) to inadvertently deploy.
- Risk
- Inadvertent air bag deployment can injure a front seat occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will perform an electronic diagnostic check. Any short circuits identified in either the driver's or passenger side air bag initiator wire circuit will be repaired.
Recall number 99V113000 · Recall details
Questions about the Dodge Grand Caravan no deployment
Which Dodge Grand Caravan years have airbags did not deploy in a crash problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1998 (13 complaints), 2010 (10 complaints) and 2005 (9 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix airbags did not deploy in a crash on the Dodge Grand Caravan?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $6,000 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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