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Automobile industry

Chrysler Minivan Latch Investigation: NHTSA Under Scrutiny for Delayed Release of Crash Test Results

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Ralph Hoar & Associates, a vehicle safety consulting firm, is calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to immediately release the full results of its investigation into rear liftgate latches on 4 million Chrysler minivans. The investigation, which has been ongoing for 18 months, has collected compelling evidence of the potential hazard posed by these latches, including 29 reported deaths and at least twice as many injuries. Despite the strong evidence, NHTSA has agreed to allow Chrysler to conduct a "service campaign" to replace the latches, while also sending a mixed message to van owners by claiming there is nothing wrong with the latches.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating rear liftgate latches on 4 million Chrysler minivans for 18 months, collecting evidence of 29 reported deaths and at least twice as many injuries.
  • NHTSA has agreed to allow Chrysler to conduct a "service campaign" to replace the latches, despite the company's claims that the latches are not defective.
  • Ralph Hoar & Associates is calling on NHTSA to immediately release the full results of its investigation, including crash test results, to allow the public to make an informed decision about the urgency of replacing the latches.
  • The investigation is one of the strongest and most professional in 25 years of watching the agency, according to Ralph Hoar.
  • The firm has released a letter sent by Hoar to NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez, expressing concern about NHTSA's refusal to enforce the law and its potential impact on the agency's enforcement authority.
  • Chrysler has offered to replace the latches, while also sending a mixed message to van owners by claiming there is nothing wrong with the latches.

Statistics:

  • 4 million minivans are equipped with potentially hazardous rear liftgate latches.
  • 29 deaths and at least twice as many injuries have been reported as a result of these latches.
  • The investigation has been ongoing for 18 months.
  • NHTSA has collected compelling evidence of the potential hazard posed by these latches.
  • The service campaign will affect approximately half of the minivans in the country.

Sources:

  • "NHTSA Agrees to Chrysler's Request to Replace Liftgate Latches" (PRNewswire, March 29, 1995)
  • Letter from Ralph Hoar to NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez (Ralph Hoar & Associates, 1995)
  • Statement from Ralph Hoar & Associates, "Ralph Hoar & Associates Calls for Release of NHTSA Investigation Results" (PRNewswire, March 29, 1995)

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