TIPM Related Power Problems. Funny Sounding Part. Not So Funny Problems.

Posted on
Author
Scott McCracken
Tagged
#electrical #lawsuit #settlement #recall
An electrical box with numerous colorful fuses

If you've heard of a Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), chances are you probably own a 2007-2014 Dodge or other vehicle from Fiat-Chrysler (FCA). From ChryslerProblems.com:

_ Think of the TIPM like a command center for all the electrical functions of your car. Want to turn on your wipers? That has to go through the TIPM. Need the fuel pump to turn on after you turn the key? You’ll have to run it through TIPM first._

It’s widely believed that hundreds of thousands of 2007–2014 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles have defective TIPMs that are putting owners in dangerous and sometimes just strange situations.

When a TIPM Starts to Fail ∞

  • The airbags won't deploy in a crash but will deploy at random
  • The starter cranks until it burns out
  • The HORN goes off at random TIMES
  • Power windows won't work or randomly open themselves
  • The fuel pump doesn't turn off after you turn the engine off

Learn more about common TIPM symptoms.

Vehicles Affected ∞

CAS Petition ∞

The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) filed a petition asking NHTSA to investigate alleged problems with Totally Integrated Power Modules (TIPMs) installed in Chrysler vehicles since 2007. Nearly a year later, that petition was denied.

”My wife uses this car to transport my children. Van is constantly stalling with no power to start back up. Sometimes this happens in the middle of busy intersections. Called Dodge and there is no recall on this even though there is extensive information regarding this problem on-line including on-going law suits. What is going on? This is a dangerous problem and a recall needs to be issued soon before someone gets hurt.” – 2012 Grand Caravan Owner

Small Recalls ∞

Overall, a very small percentage of vehicles believed to have faulty TIPMs have actually been recalled for the issue:

MakeModelYearManufacturedRecalled
DodgeDurango201101/05/2010 – 07/20/2011September 2014
Durango2012February 2015
Durango2013February 2015
Nitro2007July 2007
JeepGrand Cherokee201101/05/2010 – 07/20/2011September 2014
Wrangler2007July 2007

FCA TIPM Settlement for Dodge Owners ∞

If you own a 2011-2013 Dodge Durango, there’s good news. Girard Gibbs, LLP reached a proposed settlement with FCA to end a pending TIPM lawsuit. The settlement includes:

  • Free fuel pump relay repairs
  • An extended warranty on fuel pump repairs up to 7 years / 70,000 miles (whichever comes first)
  • Reimbursement for previous TIPM replacements, diagnostics, and rental car expenses.

Lawsuits Regarding This Problem

Lawsuits about this problem have already been filed in court. Many times these are class-action suits that look to cover a group of owners in a particular area. Click on the lawsuit for more information and to see if you're eligible to receive any potential settlements.

  • Settled

    Velasco, et al. v. Chrysler Group LLC.

    1. Settled

      Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee TIPM problems will finally be fixed after a federal judge granted preliminary approval to a "totally integrated power module" (TIPM) class-action lawsuit.

    2. Case Filed

      The lawsuit alleges the named vehicles have defective Totally Integrated Power Modules, also known as TIPMs. The TIPM controls and distributes power to all of the electrical functions of the vehicle, including the vehicle safety and ignition systems.

    Class Vehicles
    • 2011-2012 Dodge Durango
    • 2010-2014 Dodge Grand Caravan
    • 2010 Dodge Journey
    • 2012-2014 Ram Cargo Van
    • 2010-2012 Ram 1500
    • 2010-2012 Ram 2500
    • 2010-2012 Ram 3500
    • 2011-2012 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis
    • 2011-2013 Ram 4500 Cab Chassis
    • 2011-2013 Ram 5500 Cab Chassis
    Location
    California

Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported

This problem has popped up in the following Dodge generations.

Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

  1. File Your Complaint

    CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.

    Add a Complaint

  2. Notify CAS

    The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.

    Notify The CAS

  3. Report a Safety Concern

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.

    Report to NHTSA