NHTSA Upgrades Dodge Journey Investigation Looking Into Faulty Power Windows and Door Locks

Remember the Dodge Journey? Pepperidge Farm, I mean, the NHTSA remembers. It recently upgraded its investigation into the much-maligned crossover to an engineering analysis. The evaluation is ongoing due to concerns that its door locks and windows could become inoperative.

Though not yet a recall, the action impacts almost one million Journeys built between 2009 and 2020. The defect could cause a malfunction of the power windows and door locks, preventing passengers from exiting if there’s an emergency.

Seven examples of faulty locks and windows have been recorded, and there has been one fatality related to the issue. A Stellantis spokesperson said, “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.”

If this moves toward an official recall, it will only add to the Journey’s pile. The 2009 model has been recalled eight times for power steering hoses rupturing, an airbag control unit issue, issues with the reverse wiring steering column driver-side airbag, and more. Dodge sold the SUV from 2009 through 2020, so the investigation impacts a solid majority of the vehicles on the roads.

Though it was the cheapest three-row SUV on sale in 2020, it never earned much recognition. Its styling was old in 2009, and its appalling driving experience didn’t help. Near the end of its life, it was aging badly and lacked many of the driver assistance features people expected at the time.

[Images: Dodge/Stellantis]

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