In 2022, a tragic incident involving a Dodge Journey SUV sparked an investigation by U.S. auto safety regulators. A woman was trapped and died when her vehicle caught fire, leading the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to upgrade the investigation to an engineering analysis. With inoperative door locks and windows hindering occupants from escaping during emergencies, the probe was expanded to include 11 model years of Dodge Journeys sold through 2020.
Concerns Over Door Lock Malfunctions
The NHTSA received 19 complaints from owners and the automaker regarding the malfunctioning door locks and windows of Dodge Journey SUVs. The agency is now delving into the cause of the fire and its potential impact on the actuation of the door locks. Stellantis, the manufacturer of Dodge vehicles, has been cooperating with the investigation and expressing condolences to the family of the deceased woman.
Alternative Causes for Malfunctions
In addition to examining the door lock malfunctions, NHTSA will explore other potential causes for the issues reported by Dodge Journey owners. The owner’s manual of the SUV states that doors can be unlocked manually by pulling up a plunger on the top of the door trim panel. The agency will be looking into ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Fatal Incident Details
One of the complaints filed with the agency prior to the investigation revealed a harrowing incident where a woman was trapped inside her burning Dodge Journey. Despite trying to escape, the inoperative door locks and windows prevented her from getting out of the vehicle, resulting in her death. The details of the incident underscore the urgent need for rectifying the issues with the SUV’s safety features.
Previous Recalls and Safety Suggestions
In 2009, Chrysler LLC recalled around 17,000 Dodge Journeys due to a potential fire risk caused by a corroded electrical connector. Since then, there have been concerns raised regarding the safety features of modern vehicles, including the difficulty of escaping from cars with laminated glass windows. The executive director of the Center for Auto Safety advised drivers to familiarize themselves with the escape mechanisms in their vehicles and recommended keeping a metal tool in the car for emergencies.
The Need for Standardized Safety Features
The recent tragedy involving a Dodge Journey SUV has brought to light the necessity for standardized safety features in all vehicles. As car manufacturers continue to implement advanced technologies, prioritizing the effectiveness of door locks and windows during emergencies is crucial. Moving forward, there is a growing consensus within the industry for developing standardized methods for unlocking doors or escaping from vehicles in hazardous situations.
In conclusion, the investigation into the fire-related fatality involving a Dodge Journey SUV has highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety features in modern vehicles. With advancements in automotive technology, there is a pressing need for standardizing escape mechanisms to ensure the well-being of all occupants in the event of emergencies. Car manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and drivers alike must work together to address these safety concerns and prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.