U.S. car safety regulators have opened a preliminary analysis to assess possible concerns with the electrical power sliding doors on 2016 Dodge Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans.
NHTSA’s Business of Problems Investigation claimed it had gained 476 consumer issues alleging 1 or both of the sliding doors on people vehicles could not be opened possibly by applying the mechanical cope with or digital distant switches or controls, according to a NHTSA document. No accidents had been reported.
The investigation was opened Friday.
In the issues, buyers describe owning to “eliminate travellers in the rear of the car by way of the front doors, the next sliding doorway (if it was operational), the windows or the rear hatch of the car.”
The population of likely impacted vehicles is mentioned as “confidential.”
Eric Mayne, a spokesman for Stellantis, claimed the automaker will deliver NHTSA with its “full cooperation.”
NHTSA did not promptly answer to a ask for for comment.
In 2016, Chrysler — component of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and now beneath Stellantis — issued a technological company bulletin to its dealership network, instructing technicians to change 1 or both of the sliding doorway lock actuators when car entrepreneurs describe an concern with the locks not functioning or “emitting a loud buzzing noise” for the duration of the locking or unlocking system, according to federal investigators.
U.S. safety regulators will appraise the scope and severity of the alleged defect and assess any possible safety-associated concerns.
Most NHTSA investigations commence as preliminary evaluations, in which company engineers ask for facts from the company, together with knowledge on issues, accidents and warranty claims. The company can also existing its see with regards to the alleged defect and might concern a remember.
Following the analysis, NHTSA will possibly close the investigation or shift into the up coming phase. If a safety-associated defect exists, according to NHTSA, the company might ship a “remember ask for” letter to the company.