Owners describe a troubling airbag pattern. In multiple frontal collisions at 35–65 mph, driver and passenger airbags simply did not deploy despite severe front-end damage and injuries ranging from head trauma to hospitalization of a pregnant driver. Dealers ran diagnostics but could not identify the cause in most cases; the manufacturer's electronic data recorder review in one case returned no malfunction found, despite the bag's complete failure.
A separate incident involved spontaneous deployment—all bags firing without collision when the driver shut the door at 190,000 miles. The manufacturer denied manufacturing defect, even though the vehicle clearly deployed its safety system unprompted.
Structural degradation is also documented. Owners report airbag housing cracks in the passenger dashboard, driver door trim peeling away from the frame, and one steering wheel airbag cartridge that separated from its mount during a crash and protruded 3–4 inches from the wheel. A passenger harness burned and required replacement.
The 2014 model is tied to the Takata inflator recall (Campaign 19V018000). Multiple owners report dealers could not source replacement parts for months, forcing owners to postpone critical safety repairs. Chrysler declined to provide loaner vehicles while the dangerous bags sat in their vehicles unrepaired. One owner was told simply to drive carefully rather than receive assistance with transportation during the parts shortage.
Failure modes owners describe
Airbags fail to deploy in frontal collisions
Multiple owners report frontal airbags that did not deploy during significant frontal impacts at highway speeds (35–65 mph), with some collisions causing severe damage and injuries. No apparent warning before impact. Cause unknown in most cases; some dealers unable to diagnose.
When: At time of collision; mileage range 8,000–190,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No deployment during frontal collision; Severe front-end damage sustained; Driver injuries reported in several incidents (head, arm, back, neck, leg injuries; pregnant driver hospitalized)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles towed; most not diagnosed. One owner stated diagnostic check revealed airbag system did not work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer representatives collected electronic data recorder information in at least one case; no malfunction found per manufacturer claim. Some owners advised recalls 15V467000 and 19V018000 may apply.
Airbag deploys spontaneously without collision
One owner reports loud explosion in cabin after closing driver door, with driver-, front, and rear curtain airbags deploying without any impact or crash. Vehicle at approximately 190,000 miles. Manufacturer claimed no manufacturing defect despite visible deployment.
When: Approximately 190,000 miles, upon closing driver door
Symptoms owners cite: Loud explosion inside cabin; Driver-side airbag deployed; Front curtain airbags deployed; Rear curtain airbags deployed; Driver-side seatbelt deployed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to Crown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Greensboro; diagnostic test pending at time of report.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer claimed failure was not a manufacturing defect. NHTSA Campaign 15V467000 (Air Bags, Seat Belts) mentioned as possible solution but VIN not included.
Airbag housing cracks; door trim separation
Owners report airbag housing cracks in passenger dashboard and driver door trim separating from frame. These structural failures may compromise airbag deployment or increase ejection risk. No deployment issues yet reported in these specific cases, but potential functionality impact.
When: Approximately 105,000 miles; timing of others not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger-side dashboard airbag housing cracks; Driver door trim separates from frame; Audible ding noted (no warning light); Concern about impact on airbag functionality
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired. One owner awaiting callback from manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V018000 (Air Bags) recall issued. Dealers reported parts not available for repair.
Takata recall parts unavailable; repair delays exceed reasonable time
Multiple owners received NHTSA Campaign 19V018000 (Takata airbag recall) but dealers reported parts not in stock. Wait times exceeded two months for appointments, and dealers cancelled without notification. Some owners stated manufacturer did not assist when notified of delays.
When: Not specified; recalls issued
Symptoms owners cite: Parts not available at dealership; Appointment delays over two months; Dealer cancelled appointments without calling owner; Manufacturer did not provide loaner or rental vehicles; Safety concern due to unrepaired airbag hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Recalls 15V467000 and 19V018000 apply. Parts distribution noted as disconnected per NHTSA database.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V018000 (Takata airbag recall) and 15V467000 issued. Manufacturer did not provide loaner or rental vehicles. One owner stated Chrysler claimed 'just be careful driving' and set appointments knowing parts were not in stock.
Airbag cartridge separation from steering wheel; passenger harness burn
Two structural failure reports: steering wheel airbag cartridge separated from mount plate during accident, protruding 3–4 inches from wheel; and passenger seat airbag harness burned during operation, requiring replacement.
When: Cartridge separation during accident; harness burn timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag cartridge protrudes from steering wheel post-deployment; Passenger harness burned; Steering wheel airbag cartridge detached from mount
Repairs/costs cited: Passenger harness had to be replaced.
Metal fragment ejection risk (Takata defect)
Owner reports two serious recalls citing airbag risk of metal fragment ejection into vehicle interior upon collision, which could cause serious injury or death. This is the known Takata inflator defect.
When: Recalls issued; repair parts backordered beyond Feb 26
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag risk of ejecting metal fragments into interior; Safety concern during collision
Repairs/costs cited: Parts not in stock; repair delayed indefinitely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two recalls issued (specific campaign numbers not detailed by owner). Chrysler declined to provide loaner or rental vehicle during recall repair wait.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.