NHTSA Investigates 2014 Chrysler Town & Country Over Fire Risk, USB Ports Are “Likely Origin”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is conducting a preliminary investigation on certain 2014 Chrysler Town & Country models over a potential fire issue.

According to the official document, the agency has received three complaints of fires and one injury was reported. An estimated 150,000 minivans could be affected by this issue.

“Complaints allege a fire started at the charge hub mounted in the trim panel located on the driver’s side of the vehicle between the second and third row seating”, the NHTSA notes in the Problem Description.

Read Also: Chrysler Recommends Pacifica Hybrid Owners Not To Park Near Other Cars Or In Garages Due To Fire Risk

So, what is a “charge hub”? The answer to this question can be found in the Summary of the quoted document, which states that “the charge hub serves as communication and power ports, intended for use with entertainment and other personal devices”. In other words, the fires could have been started by the USB ports, a “likely origin” of the issue, as reported by the NHTSA, although it states that “the cause of the fires has not been identified at this time”.

The “scope, frequency and consequence of the alleged defect” are being evaluated by the Office of Defects Investigation, which is trying to find the exact cause of the fires. When it is determined, and if it is indeed deemed a liability, the NHTSA will send a request letter to the car manufacturer asking them to issue a recall.