Investigation into Dodge Journey SUVs and Inoperative Door Locks
U.S. auto safety regulators are taking steps to potentially recall nearly a million Dodge Journey SUVs following 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 investigation, which was initiated last year, to an engineering analysis. Moreover, the agency has expanded the probe to include 11 additional model years.
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints from owners and the automaker regarding inoperative door locks and windows that can prevent occupants from exiting the small SUVs during emergencies. While there have been no reports of additional fires, injuries, or deaths, the agency is keen to investigate the cause of the fire and its potential impact on door lock functionality.
Stellantis, the manufacturer of Dodge vehicles, has expressed its cooperation with the investigation and extended its sympathies to the woman’s family. Meanwhile, the NHTSA plans to explore other possible causes for the door lock malfunctions apart from the fire-related issues.
The owner’s manual for the Dodge Journey states that the doors can be manually unlocked by pulling up a plunger on the top of the door trim panel. However, a complaint filed prior to the investigation reveals a harrowing account of a woman being unable to escape from her Journey. The complainant reported that warning lights started flashing, windshield wipers came on, the horn honked, windows did not function, and the doors remained locked. Subsequently, a fire erupted in the engine compartment, trapping her inside the vehicle and leading to her death.
While the specific location of the fatal fire is not mentioned in the agency’s documents, the Wisconsin State Journal reported that a 73-year-old woman named Mary Frahm died when her Dodge Journey caught fire near Madison in December 2022. Frahm had called her fiancé to inform him about the electrical problems she was experiencing before pulling over. She later called back, reporting smoke and the smell of burning from the dashboard. Unfortunately, by the time emergency responders arrived, the SUV was engulfed in flames.
Interestingly, back in 2009, Chrysler LLC recalled approximately 17,000 Dodge Journeys due to an electrical connector that could corrode and potentially cause a fire. This history raises concerns regarding the safety of the Dodge Journey’s electrical system.
Michael Brooks, the executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, has advised drivers to attempt pulling up the plunger mechanism first in order to escape if their vehicle’s electrical system malfunctions. However, he acknowledges that escaping can be challenging due to the use of laminated glass in many modern vehicles. Laminated glass, which consists of a layer of plastic sandwiched between two layers of glass, prevents shattering and is designed to keep occupants from being ejected in the event of a crash. In light of this, Brooks recommends keeping a metal tool in the car to break the tempered glass windows that can be shattered for an emergency exit.
Brooks also emphasizes the need for standardization in unlocking doors or finding alternative escape methods across all vehicles. This would ensure that occupants have a reliable means of getting out in emergency situations.
In conclusion, the investigation into the Dodge Journey SUVs and their inoperative door locks highlights the importance of addressing potential safety risks in vehicle design. The NHTSA’s engineering analysis and expansion of the probe demonstrate the seriousness of this issue. It is crucial for automakers to prioritize the development of reliable and easily accessible emergency exit mechanisms. Additionally, drivers should familiarize themselves with their vehicle’s features, such as the manual unlocking mechanism, and consider keeping a tool that can shatter tempered glass windows as a precautionary measure. The goal should be to ensure the safety and well-being of all vehicle occupants during unforeseen emergencies.
