This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Clock spring failure causing airbag to fail, causing cruise control to fail and also causing horn to fail. The mechanic said the failures were due to the clock spring failure.
It seems there is a problem with the Chrysler mini-vans, the "clock spring" in the steering wheel that connects the speed control, horn and air bags to the electrical system in the van. The air bag warning light keeps coming at all times when turning the steering wheel. The speed control, and horn also do not work when the air bag light is on. This concerns me that the air bags will not work because of this defective connection in the steering wheel. According to a recent article in the press, Chrysler has sold over 124,000 of these parts. I recently was involved in a collision in which the air bags should have deployed and didn't.
- Carnation, WA, USA
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In January 2001, my 1996 Chrysler Town & Country minivan's "airbag" warning light came on and has stayed on continuosly since that time. At the same time... my horn and cruise control stopped working as well. I have checked the fuses and they are all in proper working order. Today, I learned from your web site that cnn.com reported on this very problem on 3-19-01. This article prompted me to file this report. With all three failures, airbag warning light, no horn and no cruise control, I'm assuming the airbag is defective and will not deploy in the event of a frontal crash.
I saw on the news that you are looking into cruise control and air bag failures in 1996 Chrysler Town & Country vans and I wanted to notify you that I am having problems with mine. In addition the front wipers come on unexpectantly - distracting the driver.
Please advise me how to proceed, I have read that NHTSA is investigating the issue. Given the number of faulty clock spring assemblies (124,511) I am wondering if I am eligible for a refund on the expenses incurred to fix this problem. Thank you.
The airbag light would not go off. I took the van back to the dealer, and they replaced the clock spring and charged me over $330. They told me it was not covered under our extended warranty. I will be happy to send or E-mail a copy of the bill to you. Thanks
When turning vehicle on, engine chimes ring and it keeps ringing intermittently. Also, airbag light comes on. Dealer attempted to fix however did not remedy problem.
The air bag light would illuminate intermittently, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer who informed them that the air bag was not operatimg properly and would not have inflated during an accident due to a faulty clock spring, the consumer feels that the manufacturer should pay for this repair. Nlm
Consumer's airbag warning light flickered on & off for a month. Then, stayed on another month. During that time cruise control was malfunctioning. Dealer replaced clock spring, since then no problem.
Clock spring is bad. Also, air bag warning light came on. Dealer has replaced clock spring. Driver side sliding door does not unlock due to latch failure.
Horn is not active/ cruise control doesn't work, and air bag light is illuminating on dash panel. Dealer has been contacted, and was willing to replace clock spring for a fee.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Metamora, IL, USA