U.S. auto safety regulators are progressing towards a recall of nearly one million Dodge Journey SUVs after a tragic incident in 2022 where a woman was trapped and died when her vehicle caught fire.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has upgraded its initial investigation, opened last year, to an engineering analysis and expanded the probe to include 11 additional model years.
NHTSA reported 19 complaints from owners and the automaker about inoperative door locks and windows that can trap people inside the SUVs during emergencies. No additional fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported.
The investigation, which began with the 2009 model year Journeys, now includes models sold through 2020. NHTSA documents indicate that investigators will examine the cause of the fire and its potential impact on door lock functionality.
Stellantis, the manufacturer of Dodge vehicles, stated that it is cooperating with the investigation and extends sympathy to the woman’s family.
NHTSA will also explore other possible causes for the door lock malfunctions. The Journey owner’s manual notes that doors can be manually unlocked by pulling up a plunger on the top of the door trim panel.
A complaint filed before the investigation detailed the incident, where the woman pulled over due to warning lights, malfunctioning windshield wipers, an honking horn, inoperable windows, and locked doors. The fire, allegedly starting in the engine, spread and trapped her inside, leading to her death.
More details on the possible Dodge Journey recall will be shared soon.
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