— Dodge Journey door lock issues are coming under the federal government’s microscope as federal safety regulators expand their investigation into the problem to nearly 1 million SUVs.
NHTSA launched its initial investigation in May 2023, focusing on 2009 Dodge Journey SUVs, but the probe has been upgraded and expanded to nearly 993,000 2009 to 2020 Dodge Journeys.
The initial Dodge Journey investigation was launched following an alarming report received in Wisconsin.
In December 2022, 73-year-old Mary Frahm was driving a 2009 Dodge Journey when the SUV began to lose power and experience electrical issues.
She called to tell someone that the Dodge Journey’s speedometer was malfunctioning, the warning lights were flashing, and the windshield wipers suddenly started.
Additionally, during the call she said the windows would not roll down, the doors would not unlock, the horn was honking, there was smoke coming out of the dashboard, and there was a fire under the hood.
While trapped inside the Dodge Journey on the side of the road, Fram called 911, and emergency responders arrived to find the SUV fully engulfed in flames.
Mary Flamm could no longer escape from her burning Dodge Journey.
In an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, regulators have uncovered more incidents of Dodge Journey door lock problems and passengers being trapped in the SUV.
Including the fatal entrapment accident that killed Frahm, NHTSA is aware of 19 Dodge Journey door latch incidents.
Investigators are still looking into the Dodge Journey fire in Wisconsin and the impact it may have had on the door locks.
CarComplaints.com will update our website with the results of our investigation into Dodge Journey door lock issues.
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