Dodge minivans are being recalled because their seatbelts may fail in a crash

If you have a newer Dodge Grand Caravan, it’s time to check your VIN number.

Chrysler is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles after it was found that some seatbelts could come loose during a crash, which could lead to serious injury or death.

The problem is with a metal plate called a seat striker, which is welded to the floor of the vehicle. The seats are supposed to fit securely into the seat striker, but some of the strikers in the second and third rows of the recalled vehicles were improperly welded and therefore may become loose in a crash.

The out-of-specification welds on affected vehicles include the welds on the outboard rear seat strikers for the second-row bench and second-row bucket seats; the front outboard seat strikers for the third-row bench seats; and the second-row bench and second-row bucket seats.

The recall includes 30,354 vehicles made between April 29 and July 3, 2019, though not all vehicles are believed to be affected. Only some vehicles include out-of-specification welds. If your vehicle is affected, you may notice that the second- and third-row seats feel loose even if your vehicle has not been involved in a crash. (But even if your seats don’t seem loose, check your VIN!)

Chrysler will notify owners and dealers and weld in a striker reinforcement bracket free of charge. The recall is expected to begin Dec. 13, 2019.

You can check the VIN number of your vehicle to see if it is included in the recall by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

If you have questions, you can contact Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ U.S. customer service line at 800-853-1403. FCA’s number for this recall is V91.

You can also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit their website.

Do you own a 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan that may be included in this recall?