The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has significantly expanded its investigation into Stellantis' Dodge sport utility vehicles, focusing on potentially dangerous malfunctions in door locks and windows. The probe, which now covers nearly one million vehicles, has been elevated to an engineering analysis following reports of numerous incidents, including one that may have resulted in a fatality.

Initially launched in May 2023, the investigation began as a preliminary evaluation of 82,000 Dodge Journey SUVs from the 2009 model year. However, on Friday, NHTSA announced a substantial expansion of the scope, now encompassing 992,000 Journey vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2020. This escalation to an engineering analysis represents a critical step in the investigative process, potentially leading to a mandatory recall if deemed necessary.

The catalyst for this intensified scrutiny was a tragic incident reported in Middleton, Wisconsin, in December 2022. According to NHTSA, an individual was allegedly trapped and killed during a vehicle fire, with suspicions that a door-lock malfunction may have played a role. While the exact cause of the fire and its potential link to the door-lock issue are still under investigation, this event has raised serious concerns about the safety of these vehicles.

NHTSA officials have disclosed that they are aware of 19 potential incidents involving door and window malfunctions, including the Wisconsin fatality. These reports paint a troubling picture of the potential risks faced by Dodge Journey owners.

Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, has responded to the investigation with a statement expressing condolences to those affected by the Wisconsin incident. "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," the company stated, emphasising its commitment to assisting with the ongoing investigation.

The expanded probe has brought to light numerous complaints from Dodge Journey owners across various model years. These reports detail a range of issues related to the vehicles' electrical systems and locking mechanisms. For instance, the owner of a 2010 Dodge Journey in Oklahoma reported experiencing "random and erroneous electrical problems which included the doors unlocking." The situation escalated when the same owner later found themselves locked inside the vehicle due to a malfunctioning locking mechanism.

In another alarming incident, the owner of a 2018 Dodge Journey in Nashville recounted being trapped inside her vehicle after both the key fob and door panel failed to function. Fortunately, she managed to escape by crawling out through a window, highlighting the potential dangers posed by these malfunctions.

These accounts underscore the severity of the issue and the range of model years affected, justifying NHTSA's decision to broaden the scope of its investigation. The agency's move to an engineering analysis is a significant development in the investigative process. This phase allows NHTSA to conduct a more thorough examination of the problem, including detailed analysis of the vehicle's design, manufacturing processes, and any potential defects that could lead to these dangerous malfunctions.

The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for Stellantis and Dodge Journey owners. If NHTSA determines that a safety defect exists, it could mandate a recall of the affected vehicles, requiring Stellantis to address the issue at no cost to owners. Such a recall would be one of the largest in recent years, affecting nearly a million vehicles across more than a decade of production.

As the investigation progresses, NHTSA urges Dodge Journey owners to remain vigilant and report any incidents of door lock or window malfunctions. These reports can be crucial in helping the agency gather comprehensive data on the extent and nature of the problem.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has significantly expanded its investigation into Stellantis' Dodge sport utility vehicles, focusing on potentially dangerous malfunctions in door locks and windows.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has significantly expanded its investigation into Stellantis' Dodge sport utility vehicles, focusing on potentially dangerous malfunctions in door locks and windows. The probe, which now covers nearly one million vehicles, has been elevated to an engineering analysis following reports of numerous incidents, including one that may have resulted in a fatality. Initially launched in May 2023, the investigation began as a preliminary evaluation of 82,000 Dodge Journey SUVs from the 2009 model year. However, on Friday, NHTSA announced a substantial expansion of the scope, now encompassing 992,000 Journey vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2020. This escalation to an engineering analysis represents a critical step in the investigative process, potentially leading to a mandatory recall if deemed necessary. The catalyst for this intensified scrutiny was a tragic incident reported in Middleton, Wisconsin, in December 2022. According to NHTSA, an individual was allegedly trapped and killed during a vehicle fire, with suspicions that a door-lock malfunction may have played a role. While the exact cause of the fire and its potential link to the door-lock issue are still under investigation, this event has raised serious concerns about the safety of these vehicles. NHTSA officials have disclosed that they are aware of 19 potential incidents involving door and window malfunctions, including the Wisconsin fatality. These reports paint a troubling picture of the potential risks faced by Dodge Journey owners. Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, has responded to the investigation with a statement expressing condolences to those affected by the Wisconsin incident. "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," the company stated, emphasising its commitment to assisting with the ongoing investigation. The expanded probe has brought to light numerous complaints from Dodge Journey owners across various model years. These reports detail a range of issues related to the vehicles' electrical systems and locking mechanisms. For instance, the owner of a 2010 Dodge Journey in Oklahoma reported experiencing "random and erroneous electrical problems which included the doors unlocking." The situation escalated when the same owner later found themselves locked inside the vehicle due to a malfunctioning locking mechanism. In another alarming incident, the owner of a 2018 Dodge Journey in Nashville recounted being trapped inside her vehicle after both the key fob and door panel failed to function. Fortunately, she managed to escape by crawling out through a window, highlighting the potential dangers posed by these malfunctions. These accounts underscore the severity of the issue and the range of model years affected, justifying NHTSA's decision to broaden the scope of its investigation. The agency's move to an engineering analysis is a significant development in the investigative process. This phase allows NHTSA to conduct a more thorough examination of the problem, including detailed analysis of the vehicle's design, manufacturing processes, and any potential defects that could lead to these dangerous malfunctions. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for Stellantis and Dodge Journey owners. If NHTSA determines that a safety defect exists, it could mandate a recall of the affected vehicles, requiring Stellantis to address the issue at no cost to owners. Such a recall would be one of the largest in recent years, affecting nearly a million vehicles across more than a decade of production. As the investigation progresses, NHTSA urges Dodge Journey owners to remain vigilant and report any incidents of door lock or window malfunctions. These reports can be crucial in helping the agency gather comprehensive data on the extent and nature of the problem.

NHTSA expands investigation into nearly 1 million Dodge SUVs over door lock malfunctions

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NHTSA expands investigation into nearly 1 million Dodge SUVs over door lock malfunctions