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2012 Dodge Journey

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Dodge Journey do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 293.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

269 reports with mileage · 107 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 116 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports13 fire reports13 injury reports

Electronic Stability Control (esc) complaints

44 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

MY DODGE WHILE RIDING RADIO COME ON GO OFF THE HEATER TURN ALL THE WAY UP AND IT WANT CRANK MOST TIME YOU GET READY TO GO IT JUST GOES HAYWIRE NOT DEPENDABLE BROUGHT A BATTERY THOUGHT THAT WAS THE PROBLEM BUT NOT

NHTSA ODI #11103057

102,000 miles · May 28, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

THEY'RE ARE RECALLS FOR ALL THE ISSUES I'M HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE BUT WHEN I PUT THE VIN IN IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL LIST. I DON'T SEE HOW THEY CAN CHOOSE WHAT CARS TO FIX IF THE SAME PROBLEMS AND PARTS ARE ON ALL THEM. SO I GUESS DODGE IS DEFINITELY NOT THE VEHICLE TO BUY SINCE THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEY'RE WORK. I WA…

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THEY'RE ARE RECALLS FOR ALL THE ISSUES I'M HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE BUT WHEN I PUT THE VIN IN IT DOESN'T FALL UNDER THE RECALL LIST. I DON'T SEE HOW THEY CAN CHOOSE WHAT CARS TO FIX IF THE SAME PROBLEMS AND PARTS ARE ON ALL THEM. SO I GUESS DODGE IS DEFINITELY NOT THE VEHICLE TO BUY SINCE THEY DON'T STAND BEHIND THEY'RE WORK. I WAS DRIVING AND THE ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING. AND FROM WHAT I'VE BEEN TOLD IT'S THE BRAKE SENSOR AND THAT'S ONE OF THE RECALLS MY VEHICLE VIN DOESN'T FALL UNDER.

NHTSA ODI #11098333

148,000 miles · Apr 26, 2018
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

WHILE RAINING I HAD WENT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE. I HAD LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER MY 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WARNING LIGHTS COME AND MAINLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT WHEN TURNING. THE BATTERY BEEN REPLACED AND I HAD A RECALL PREFORMED FOR LAKE OF WIRING COVERS. I HAVE TAKING IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND THEY DO NOT TAK…

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WHILE RAINING I HAD WENT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING HAD GONE. I HAD LITTLE TO NO CONTROL OVER MY 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WARNING LIGHTS COME AND MAINLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT WHEN TURNING. THE BATTERY BEEN REPLACED AND I HAD A RECALL PREFORMED FOR LAKE OF WIRING COVERS. I HAVE TAKING IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS AND THEY DO NOT TAKE ME SERIOUS. ALWAYS TRYING TO GET ME TO BUY A NEW CAR. INSTEAD OF FIXING MY CURRENT ONE

NHTSA ODI #11090211

119,450 miles · Apr 15, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

.... TAKATA INFLATORS.... I WROTE A COMPLAIN TODAY I WROTE A WRONG DATES IT WAS LAST THURSDAY APRIL 5TH THAT I TOOK MY CAR FOR RECALL APPT APRIL 5TH AND THEY DID STEERING WIRING AND COVER FOR ENGINE AND UMM I STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS AFTER RECALL ON LATE FRIDAY ON THE 6TH OF APRIL WHICH IS FRIDAY MY CAR WONT START ALL WEEK I …

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.... TAKATA INFLATORS.... I WROTE A COMPLAIN TODAY I WROTE A WRONG DATES IT WAS LAST THURSDAY APRIL 5TH THAT I TOOK MY CAR FOR RECALL APPT APRIL 5TH AND THEY DID STEERING WIRING AND COVER FOR ENGINE AND UMM I STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS AFTER RECALL ON LATE FRIDAY ON THE 6TH OF APRIL WHICH IS FRIDAY MY CAR WONT START ALL WEEK I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO BECAUSE NO ONE WAS HOME AND IT WAS LATE BECCAUSE EVERYBODY MY FAMILY DONT GET OFF AT 5 SO I AM WAITING FOR DENNIS DILLION TO CALL ME MONDAY I HAD NO PROBLEMS BOFORE THE RECALL NONE ITS NOT WORKING IT WONT START AT ALL CCOMPUTER SEEMS SO SCREWED UP THE STEERNG IS LOCKED AND BRAKE IS LOCKED LIGHTS BLINKING AND EVERYTHING ELSE IS COMING ON FOR NO REASON AND GOES OFF AND ON AND I DONT KNOW WHAT THEY DID... BOFORE I DID NOT HAVE ANY LEAK EITHER AS WELL I COULD NOT START AT ALL.. I BEEN STUCK HOME ALL WEEK... I DIDN CALL UNTIL YESTERDAY THEY WERE CLOSED AND THEY DIDNT CALL SO I AM WAITING I DONT KNOW WHY I WAITED TO LONG I WAS HOPING IT BE THE BATTERY ITS NOT THE BATTERY. SEEMS LIKE ELCTRICAL PROBLEM OR PCM WHATEVER IS GOING ON I HAVE NO GLUE BECAUSE I DIDNT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS BOFORE THE RECALL I STILL PAYING MY CAR PAYMENTS JEEZ

NHTSA ODI #11085155

119,450 miles · Apr 15, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I TOOK MY CAR FOR RECALL FEW DAYS AGO FOR STEERING AND COVER FOR THE ENGINE NOW MY CAR WONT START THE COMPUTER AND EVERYTHING IS NOT WORKING EVERYTHING IS LOCKED I HAVE NO ISSUES BOFOREE THE RECALL.ITS SITTING THERE NOT ABLE TO START WHEEL IS LOCKED AND BRAKES I EVERYTHING IS GOING OFF WIPERS AND OTHER STUFF GOING CRAZY .......…

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I TOOK MY CAR FOR RECALL FEW DAYS AGO FOR STEERING AND COVER FOR THE ENGINE NOW MY CAR WONT START THE COMPUTER AND EVERYTHING IS NOT WORKING EVERYTHING IS LOCKED I HAVE NO ISSUES BOFOREE THE RECALL.ITS SITTING THERE NOT ABLE TO START WHEEL IS LOCKED AND BRAKES I EVERYTHING IS GOING OFF WIPERS AND OTHER STUFF GOING CRAZY ....... I DROVE ONE TIME AFTER THE RECALL I DONT KNOW WHATS GOING ON... I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR UNTIL I TOOK THE CAR FOR RECALL.. ITS NOT THE SAME THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR RECALL APPT ON THURSDAY APRIL 12 2018 SOON AS I LEFT THE CAR WOULD NOT START ON FRI THE FOLLOWING DAY AND ITS GOING CRAZY WHAT DO I NEED TO DO THEY DID SOMETHING TO IT MAKING THE CAR NOT START IT WONT LET ME CHOOSE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR ON THE FORM IS UNKNOOWN OR OTHER AND ELEC STABILTY CONTROL AND ELECTRICAL

NHTSA ODI #11085136

85,365 miles · Apr 6, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

MY VEHICLE ODOMETER WOULD JUMP FROM 0 TO 30 WHILE IN MOTION(FOOT ON PEDAL) AND VICE VERSA. WIPERBLADES STARTED ALL ON IT'S ON WITHOUT BEING TURNED ON. NO CURRENT IS BEING BROUGHT TO WHOLE ENTIRE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WON'T TURN OVER OR LOCK WITHOUT BEING HOOKED TO ANOTHER BATTERY. CAN JUMP START BUT ONCE CONNECTION IS OFF THE VEHICLE…

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MY VEHICLE ODOMETER WOULD JUMP FROM 0 TO 30 WHILE IN MOTION(FOOT ON PEDAL) AND VICE VERSA. WIPERBLADES STARTED ALL ON IT'S ON WITHOUT BEING TURNED ON. NO CURRENT IS BEING BROUGHT TO WHOLE ENTIRE VEHICLE. VEHICLE WON'T TURN OVER OR LOCK WITHOUT BEING HOOKED TO ANOTHER BATTERY. CAN JUMP START BUT ONCE CONNECTION IS OFF THE VEHICLE SHUTS BACK OFF. ALL LIGHTS FLICKERED ON AND OFF ON DASH BOARD WHEN THEY NEVER CAME ON THE 2 YEARS I HAD THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11083556

107,000 miles · Jan 30, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING AND THE STABILITY AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO 5 CORNERS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (1292 WASHINGTON AVE, CEDARBURG, WI 53012, (2…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING AND THE STABILITY AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO 5 CORNERS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM (1292 WASHINGTON AVE, CEDARBURG, WI 53012, (262-375-3900), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE CONTACT FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN FEBRUARY OF 2012 VERSUS APRIL 12, 2012 TO APRIL 14, 2015, AS THE RECALL STATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA ODI #11065945

100,000 miles · Nov 13, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

THE POWER IN MY VEHICLE WENT OUT AND MY BREAKS LOCKED UP, THE CAR JUST DIES. NO HAZARDS OR ANYTHING. MY CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HEAVY TRAFFIC STREET. TWO CARS ALMOST HIT MY KIDS AND I. THE CAR DOES COME BACK ON A FEW SECONDS LATER OR SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. THE LONGEST TIME PERIOD WAS WHEN I GOT THE CAR TOWED TO A SHOP…

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THE POWER IN MY VEHICLE WENT OUT AND MY BREAKS LOCKED UP, THE CAR JUST DIES. NO HAZARDS OR ANYTHING. MY CAR STOPPED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HEAVY TRAFFIC STREET. TWO CARS ALMOST HIT MY KIDS AND I. THE CAR DOES COME BACK ON A FEW SECONDS LATER OR SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. THE LONGEST TIME PERIOD WAS WHEN I GOT THE CAR TOWED TO A SHOP SATURDAY. ONCE, WE ARRIVED AT THE SHOP IT HAD COME BACK ON. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME AND I FEAR EVEN AFTER WE GET IT FROM THE SHOP IT WILL NOT BE THE LAST.

NHTSA ODI #11045554

111,000 miles · Oct 9, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

LOSS OF VEHICAL SPEED, GRINDING NOISE & BRAKING, TROUBLE STEERING, LOSE OF CONTROL AROUND A BEND, HUMMING & GRINDIG NOISE FROM ABS INGAGING BRAKING, WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING AT 40 MPH SPEED, ON CITY STREETS. ESC (ELCETRONIC STABILTIY CONTROL) WARNING LIGHT COME ON FLASHING INDICATING FAILER OF THE CLOCK SPRING MODUAL…

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LOSS OF VEHICAL SPEED, GRINDING NOISE & BRAKING, TROUBLE STEERING, LOSE OF CONTROL AROUND A BEND, HUMMING & GRINDIG NOISE FROM ABS INGAGING BRAKING, WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING AT 40 MPH SPEED, ON CITY STREETS. ESC (ELCETRONIC STABILTIY CONTROL) WARNING LIGHT COME ON FLASHING INDICATING FAILER OF THE CLOCK SPRING MODUAL.

NHTSA ODI #11032340

207,000 miles · Sep 14, 2017
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE ABS AND ANTI-SKID WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSIST…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE ABS AND ANTI-SKID WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE DIAGNOSIS WAS UNKNOWN; HOWEVER, BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKE PADS AND FRONT ROTORS WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF A RECALL, AND SUGGESTED HE CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED HIM THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V432000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WALDORF DODGE (2294 CRAIN HWY, WALDORF, MD 20601 (301) 232-0946) WHERE THE AIR BAG RECALL WAS SERVICED. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER OF THE BRAKE FAILURE, BUT THE DEALER FAILED TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 207,000.

NHTSA ODI #11023473

Official recalls

6

17V432000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jul 7, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T47.

16V273000 · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

May 6, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist may require extra steering effort, especially at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S08.

15V675000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc); Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Oct 19, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electronic Stability Control (esc)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Consequence: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured April 21, 2012, to April 14, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may enter the wiring harness for the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) module and leak into the module, disabling the ABS and/or the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system.

Consequence: If the ABS or ESC is disabled, a loss of vehicle stability could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will seal the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering and will replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring harness, as necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on December 21, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R61.

15V431000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Jul 7, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.

11V550000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:fluid

Nov 10, 2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 DODGE JOURNEY AND FIAT 500 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 24, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 26, 2011. SOME VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH CONTAMINATED BRAKE FLUID AND MAY EXPERIENCE A DEGRADATION OF THE SEALING COMPONENTS WITHIN THE BRAKE SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT COME IN CONTACT WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 1, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

11V487000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Sep 29, 2011

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHRYSLER VEHICLES, INCLUDING 200 AND TOWN AND COUNTRY MODELS, DODGE VEHICLES, INCLUDING CHARGER, DURANGO, GRAND CARAVAN AND JOURNEY MODELS AND JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 31, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 2011, THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH 3.6L ENGINES. THESE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE CONNECTING ROD BEARING FAILURE DUE TO DEBRIS INSIDE THE ENGINE BLOCK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONNECTING ROD FAILURE MAY LEAD TO ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 18, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA24003 · Vehicle Entrapment

Opened Aug 1, 2024 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-008 on May 1, 2023 to investigate an incident involving a 2009 Dodge Journey alleging occupant entrapment during a vehicle fire that resulted in a fatality. During the investigation, ODI collected information from the manufacturer and involved parties to confirm or refute the defect allegation. ODI has determined that additional reports of vehicle entrapment exist for other model year Dodge Journey vehicles. ODI continues to explore the cause of the thermal event and its potential effect on the actuation of the door locks. ODI also continues to explore other potential causes for door lock malfunction. ODI has determined that an upgrade to an Engineering Analysis (EA) is necessary to continue the review of the investigative material and to assess the risk to motor vehicle safety . To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE19014 · Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment

Opened Sep 9, 2019 · Closed Feb 25, 2026

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.