Water and air bag firing control computers don't get along very well together.
Chrysler is recalling almost 300,000 2008 model year Chrysler Grand Voyager, Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans because an a/c system leak can damage the airbag control module on the passenger side of the vehicle. A sudden airbag explosion could result, hence the Chrysler recalls.
Previously minivan recalls were conducted in November 2010 because a defective drain grommet on the heating and ventilation system (HVAC) allowed condensation from a/c operation to leak onto the computer. At the time only the grommet was replaced. Subsequent Chrysler durability testing revealed that some of the computers failed.
A defective computer will illuminate the airbag warning light and in theory there is the potential inadvertent airbag deployment without warning, possibly injuring an occupant, and certainly scaring the heck out of the driver. In a NHTSA filing about the Chrysler recalls, the company said it knows of no inadvertent airbag deployments.
Chrysler dealers will replace the affected air bag module free of charge as is required by U.S. law. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
