U.S. Safety Agency Ends Long-Running Stellantis Vehicle Probe Without a Recall

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has closed a lengthy investigation into nearly 7.4 million vehicles built by Chrysler-parent Stellantis in the United States and decided not to order a recall. The probe focused on a potential safety issue involving inadvertent deployments of active head restraints but, after years of analysis, regulators concluded that the risk did not warrant a recall.

The investigation, which was first opened in 2019, examined reports that the active head restraints in certain Stellantis vehicles could deploy without a crash impact. The NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division conducted extensive data reviews and computer simulations over more than six years to assess the likelihood of serious injuries such as skull fractures or brain trauma. Regulators reviewed data extending up to 16 years and more than 8,500 reported incidents. In the end, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated that were not linked to pre-existing medical conditions, leading the agency to close the probe without recommending a safety recall.

While the safety agency stopped short of ordering a recall, Stellantis agreed to provide owners of the affected vehicles with a 10-year extended warranty covering the potential issue. This extended warranty applies to vehicles from the 2010 through 2020 model years that were part of the investigation. Regulators and the automaker have said that this measure gives consumers peace of mind without the disruption of a recall process.

The vehicles covered by the probe include a range of models from Stellantis brands such as Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep. Examples listed in regulatory filings include the 2011-2014 Chrysler 200, 2010-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, 2010-2020 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2010-2017 Jeep Patriot. Owners of these models can consult with dealers to learn more about warranty coverage and any free services associated with the extended warranty program.

Stellantis did not immediately issue a public comment on the conclusion of the probe. However, the decision reflects a broader regulatory trend in which agencies weigh the costs and benefits of recalls carefully, especially when extensive analysis fails to confirm clear and serious safety risks. The extended warranty approach offers an alternative that supports consumer protection while avoiding the operational and financial impacts of a formal recall.