Owners experiencing problems with the totally integrated power module (TIPM) of certain Dodge Durangos and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles may find help after a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges Chrysler sold and leased 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs equipped with defective TIPMs. The defect resulted a variety of problems including engine stalls; airbag non-deployment; random horn, headlight, taillight, door lock, instrument panel and windshield wiper activity; and failure of the fuel pump shutoff.
- In August 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation into TIPM failures in Chrysler SUVs, trucks, and vans beginning with the 2007 model year.
- In a September 2014 letter, Chrysler Group LLC notified NHTSA of a safety defect in the Totally Integrated Power Module-7 (TIPM 7) in some 2011 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.6L and 5.7L engines (Recall 14V-530).
As part of the settlement agreement, Chrysler would reimburse owners for costs for prior repairs including parts and labor costs for the fuel pump relay defect, but also parts, labor and rental car costs as long as the expense is supported by the appropriate documentation. Chrysler would extend the warranty period for the external fuel pump relays installed in accordance with the recalls. Owners of the 2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs would also be covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on certain vehicle components.
The petition will be evaluated for a grant or deny decision. A copy of the petition will be placed in the public file. (NHTSA Ref. No. 10637920).
