Three fires were allegedly started by rear-seat charging ports.
The 2014 Chrysler Town & Country minivan owners could be in for a hot ride. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating. Automotive News reports that some van owners reported seeing fires in their vehicles. The source could be USB charging hubs.
The situation has only caused one minor injury so far. These fires are believed to have started at the charging ports on the driver’s side, which are used for passengers in second and third rows. The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received three reports indicating that the fires originated with these ports. But, the origin of the fires and their causes have not been established. A recall notice was also not issued.
The investigation into the 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan is currently not underway. In 2014, Chrysler issued a recall for the Grand Caravan (NHTSA Campaign No 14V234000), for a vent switch that could heat up and cause a fire. The switch is located in front of the vehicle’s driver’s door, at the armrest. The investigation into rear-seat charging ports is currently underway on approximately 150,000 vehicles.
You can’t buy a new Chrysler Town & Country minivan anymore, but the Dodge Grand Caravan will be available. After the 2020 model year, Dodge will no longer be offering the minivansegment. The Chrysler Voyager, which was also known as the Plymouth Voyager in the 1980s, is now the entry-level minivan within FCA’s hierarchy. It is essentially a stripped-down version the Chrysler Pacifica. This vehicle replaced the Town & Country in 2017 and continues to be a popular choice for SUVs.