The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan has 7 recalls, the most serious involving multiple fire risks and airbag failures that could leave occupants without crash protection or expose them to flying debris.
Two separate electrical issues can lead to vehicle fires. Unused wiring connectors, in two distinct circuits, can corrode and short circuit; if the fuse protecting either circuit does not blow, the connector overheats and can ignite a fire. A separate wiring concern involves the sliding door: if the wire harness runs too close to the lower sliding door hinge bracket, the bracket can wear through the insulation, causing a short that overheats the door latch and can also start a fire.
On the airbag side, there are three distinct concerns. The airbag control unit on certain vehicles can corrode and stop working, meaning the airbags may not deploy in a crash at all. Separately, if a heavy keychain causes the ignition key to slip into the off or accessory position while driving, it cuts power to the airbags and power steering. There is also a risk from the driver's airbag itself: a loose or missing steering wheel emblem, along with its mounting hardware, can become a projectile when the airbag fires in a crash.
The seventh recall applies only to wheelchair-accessible versions of this vehicle that were modified by The Liberty Motor Company. On those vehicles, the rear axle assembly can fail, raising the risk of a crash.
At a glance
What can fail
The brand emblem on the steering wheel center may be loose or missing. If the driver's air bag deploys, the emblem or its securing nuts could become projectiles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's air bag cover with a redesigned cover at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control unit may corrode and stop working, preventing the air bags from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the air bag control unit at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Road conditions or jarring events may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and affecting safe airbag system operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear axle can develop cracks over time with use, potentially leading to axle failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected rear axles at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wire harness routing may allow the lower sliding door hinge bracket to contact and wear through the wire insulation.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair the wire harness routing at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An unused electrical connector can corrode and short circuit, disrupting the compass, rear heating/cooling blower, interior lights, and flashlight. If the fuse doesn't blow, the connector may overheat and ignite a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the connector's power circuit and replace the fuse if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Unused electrical connectors for the blind spot detection system may corrode and short circuit, potentially causing various electrical conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the power circuit at the connector and replace the fuse if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
