Feds Close Stellantis Head Restraint Investigation

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has closed a years-long investigation into nearly 7.4 million vehicles produced by Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and other brands, without requiring a recall. 

The probe, which began in 2019, focused on reports of inadvertent deployments of active head restraints. The safety feature is designed to move forward during rear-end collisions to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries. 

“NHTSA said it had reports of 750 injuries but was unable to confirm any serious injuries where pre-existing medical conditions did not exist,” Reuters reports. 

Vehicles from model years 2010 to 2020 across several Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep brands were covered by the investigation. They include:

• Chrysler 200
• Chrysler Town & Country
• Dodge Durango
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Dodge Journey
• Jeep Compass
• Jeep Grand Cherokee 
• Jeep Patriot

NHTSA reportedly conducted computer simulations to assess whether head restraint deployments could cause severe harm, such as skull fractures or traumatic brain injuries. The agency reviewed as much as 16 years' worth of data, covering more than 8,500 inadvertent deployments. “No serious crashes or injuries could be validated."

Stellantis agreed to provide an extended warranty of up to 10 years for the affected vehicles.

Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

This is far from the only safety issue impacting Stellantis and people who drive its vehicles. 

The auto manufacturer and its peers recall millions of cars every single year, citing a wide range of defects and malfunctions that pose real risks for everyone on the road. The recalls typically happen long after cars leave factory floors and dealership lots, sold to unsuspecting drivers.

Stellantis said late last year, for instance, that it was recalling some 75,000 Ram pickup trucks whose instrument panels could unexpectedly go blank. The move came shortly after Stellantis called back certain Jeep vehicles it said could stall or catch fire without warning.

There is some good news for Californians: You have valuable rights and protections when it comes to malfunctioning or defective cars. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get your car fixed, with Stellantis or another vehicle manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to repurchase covered vehicles that they are not able or refuse to repair. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Speak with an Orange County Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, an Orange County lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an Orange County lemon law attorney.