- NHTSA is investigating nearly 1 million Dodge Journeys for faulty door locks and windows.
- The probe follows a fatal accident where a driver was trapped inside her burning Dodge Journey.
- The investigation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis, potentially leading to a recall.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a full-scale investigation into nearly a million Dodge Journeys for a potentially fatal flaw. The SUVs, produced between 2009 and 2020, are under scrutiny for door lock and window failures that could trap occupants during a crash.
The agency launched its investigation last year following a fatal accident in December 2022. In this case, the driver was reportedly trapped inside her 2009 Dodge Journey during a fire triggered by an electrical system malfunction.
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While NHTSA is still investigating the cause of the vehicle fire and its “potential effect on the actuation of the door locks”, more reports about vehicle entrapment cases have emerged.
According to official documents, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) identified 7 incidents, while the automaker reported 13, resulting in a total of 19 unique cases after eliminating duplicates. Apart from the single fatality mentioned earlier, no injuries were reported.
2009 Dodge Journey
As a result, ODI elevated the investigation from a preliminary evaluation to a more comprehensive engineering analysis. This upgrade was deemed necessary to “assess the risk to motor vehicle safety” and determine whether the government agency would proceed with an extensive recall.
Stellantis issued the following statement: “We extend our sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of the customer whose life was lost, and we are providing NHTSA with our full cooperation.”
Dodge sold only one generation of the Journey midsize crossover, available from the 2009 to 2020 model years. Produced in Mexico, the model was also exported to Europe from 2011 to 2015 under the rebadged Fiat Freemont. However, the overwhelming majority of the 1.1 million units produced were sold in North America.
