As head of engineering development at temic automotive, N.a., now owned by Continental teves, I was involved in the investigations into hundreds of cases of 'thermal incidents' on ABS controllers on nearly every program. The incidence was highest, on those vehicles with the greatest exposure of the connector to the elements. Our investigations showed that a direct battery to ground short would develop in the presence of moisture and contamination, and even a 'sealed' connector design would not prevent this. The highest failure rate was on the Chrysler minivan. An interim fix using a raychem gasket was employed, and even used as a silent recall fix on many customer vehicles. It is my opinion now, that this should have been a recallable issue, should such an direct short situation develop that it might lead to a vehicle fire. I am not aware of any vehicle fires directly traceable to this. I would think the probability would be very low, but I'm sure it is not zero. I think the actions taken, and the vehicles effected, and the lack of warranty coverage for a known defect in many customer cases should be investigated by NHTSA. The time period of interest would be from my 1997 up until 2000 or 2001. The main platforms effected would be Chrysler minivan, Jeep and Ford Explorer.

- Brighton, MI, USA

The ABS light came on and stayed on when the temperature was warm.

- La Vergne, TN, USA

The brakes locked up, which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.

- Dublin, GA, USA

The brakes locked up, which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.

- Dublin, GA, USA

1. steering system locked up while making turns making control of vehicle difficult. Van also made screeching noises while turning. Was told rack and pinion needed replacing per "service bulletin". it was, but did not solve problem. Dealer recommended drive belt and tensioner be replaced. This finally helped. 2. air bag light and ABS lights came on, and traction control went off at hwy speeds. Air bag light remained on constantly. Dealer says that both air bag clock spring and ABS controler must be replaced. Dealer stated that if these controlers were not replaced, neither the air bags, the horn, the cruise control nor the ABS braking system would work. Please reopen NHTSA action investigation #EA01007 for the air bag clock spring in this vehicle. It is important for people to know that if their air bag light won't go off it means that the system is not operational!

- Katy, TX, USA

This morning when I put the car in drive, I heard a loud constant squealing noise. I attempt to turn the steering wheel to the left, but the van took off striaght ahead and would not turn and crashed into a parked car, which was totalled afterwards. Although my foot was on the brakes at all times, my van continued to propel forward. It then knocked over a tree approx. 12 ft. Tall and finally stopped when it ran into a neighbors shrubs. Fortunately, no one was injured or walking in front of the van at the time or perhaps someone may have been killed. Upon investigation, there was visible skid marks from where my van was parked to where it finally stopped, which was over 60 feet away. Ironicallly, my van was still drivable after all the damaged it had done. I had it towed to a local Chrysler dealership, they conducted a test drive and found nothing out of the ordinary. I have serious reservation about ever driving my van again. If there have ever been any similiar complaints, please let me know. I can be contacted at 011 49 6202 29935 or email russobey@yahoo.com.

- Apo Ae, NY, USA

Sudden acceleration of vehicle while foot on brake and about to put car in gear resulting in accident.

- Wyncote, PA, USA

Vehicle experiences a delayed stopping distance whenever brakes are applied. Vehicle taken to an independent shop, and informed consumer that problem was due to front brake rotors, being rusted/corroded and pitted.

- Meskegon, MI, USA

Fire while driving, brakes, power steering completely failed.

- Missouri City, TX, USA

Consumer was traveling about 30- 35mph on the service ramp, she went to apply brakes, and there were no brakes, and no prior warning. In order to avoid hitting another vehicle, vehicle has deliberately crashed into metal barrier. Vehicle was totaled.

- Rowland Hghts, CA, USA

The rear brakes locked up while the vehicle was being driven. This caused the brakes to burn up and ruin all the rear components. The wipers would activate without being turned on. This would happen intermittently without warning. The dealer knew exactly what was needed to repair so I believe this is a factory defect they knew about.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

When slamming on the brakes to stop in an emergency, brake pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance, and the vehicle crashed into the rear end of vehicle in front. There was no deployment of the driver's side or passenger's side air bags. Owner waiting for help from Chrysler about the crash. Prior to crash brake service light can on and dealer turned it off and said nothing was wrong.

- Great Falls, MT, USA

While driving 65 mph consumer had to make a sudden stop, the vehicle continued to travel. Consumer depressed the brake pedal again. Consumer had to swerve to avoid an accident.

- Medfield, MA, USA