Chrysler, Dodge recall 367,000 minivans over airbag scare

Chrysler Group announced that they are issuing a recall for 367,350 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravans for a concern over airbags opening when they are not needed.

In the 2008 T&C and Grand Caravans affected by this recall, there is an HVAC grommet that may have been incorrectly installed. When the grommet is installed incorrectly in these recalled minivans, condensation from the air conditioning system can accumulate and drain into the under-dash area – which contains a portion of the airbag deployment system. When this electrical airbag module gets wet it can cause the airbag light to illuminate and in the worst case, it could cause the airbag(s) to open NOT in the event of an accident.

While Chrysler has not received any complaints of accidents of injuries stemming from what they are calling an HVAC recall (not an airbag recall), imagine driving down the road and suddenly your airbags open. Along with the potential to injure passengers in the vehicle, should the driver’s side airbag open it clearly creates increased potential for an accident.

Chrysler will be sending out letter soon instructing owners of 2008 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan models asking them to return to their dealership where the HVAC grommet at fault for this problem will be inspected. Should the grommet in installed wrong, the problem will be rectified, free of charge to the customer.