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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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32,000 miles · Aug 20, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspension

ON AUGUST 3RD 2017 I PURCHASED A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY WITH 32000 MILES. ON AUGUST 4 2017 I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP. I NOTICED THAT EVENING THAT THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY FIXED IT. ON AUGUST 13, 2017 THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO FILL THE TIRE BUT IT SEEMED F…

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ON AUGUST 3RD 2017 I PURCHASED A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY WITH 32000 MILES. ON AUGUST 4 2017 I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP. I NOTICED THAT EVENING THAT THE FRONT RIGHT HEADLIGHT WAS NOT WORKING. I BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY FIXED IT. ON AUGUST 13, 2017 THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON. I WENT TO FILL THE TIRE BUT IT SEEMED FINE. I FIGURED IT WAS JUST A SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE FIXED. AUGUST 15, 2017 THE CHANGE OIL LIGHT CAME ON EVEN THOUGH IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE SERVICED. AUGUST 17, 2017 AS I WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE THE CAR SEEMED TO BE PULLING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. THEN THE ABS LIGHT AND THE MAINTENANCE AWD LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH THE OTHERS. THE CAR WILL HESITATE TO ACCELERATE AND MAKES A KIND OF GRINDING NOISE OFF AND ON. THE LIGHTS DON'T ALWAYS STAY ON AND WILL COME OFF THE SCREENS BUT EVENTUALLY THEY DO COME BACK ON AND GRINDING UNDERNEATH THE CAR STARTS AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11016426

127,984 miles · Aug 18, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SUDDENLY LOSSES POWER AND THE STABILITY LIGHTS AND ABS LIGHTS ALL FLASH. THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY AND TURNING. THE SHOP SAYS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THERE ARE LOTS OF CUSTOMERS ON THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR WHILE SITTING STIL…

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WHILE DRIVING THE CAR SUDDENLY LOSSES POWER AND THE STABILITY LIGHTS AND ABS LIGHTS ALL FLASH. THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY AND TURNING. THE SHOP SAYS THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING IT. THERE ARE LOTS OF CUSTOMERS ON THE INTERNET WITH THE SAME TYPE OF PROBLEMS. THIS DOES NOT OCCUR WHILE SITTING STILL ONLY IN MOTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WHEN WE CHECK FOR CODES ALL IT SAYS IF ENGINE MISFIRE EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE STABILITY LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT ON.

NHTSA ODI #11016228

Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control

MY CAR IS EXHIBITING ALL OF THE PROBLEMS THAT OTHER 2012 DODGE JOURNEYS ARE UNDER A RECALL FOR, REGARDING THE ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL, BUT I'M BEING TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT MY CAR ISN'T COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. I HAVE RESURCHED AND QUITE A FEW PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE, AND BEING DENIED THE RECALL. THE RECALL NEED…

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MY CAR IS EXHIBITING ALL OF THE PROBLEMS THAT OTHER 2012 DODGE JOURNEYS ARE UNDER A RECALL FOR, REGARDING THE ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL, BUT I'M BEING TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT MY CAR ISN'T COVERED UNDER THIS RECALL. I HAVE RESURCHED AND QUITE A FEW PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE, AND BEING DENIED THE RECALL. THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. MY CAR HAS 110000 MILES ON IT. I HAD THE BRAKES CHANGED LAST YEAR BY THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO MAKE NOISES LIKE A SPINNING RUSTY WHEEL, AND NOW I HAVE LOST MY ABS, AND TRACTION CONTROL, WHICH THEN TAKES MY CRUISE CONTROL. CARS SHOULD NOT COME APART JUST BECAUSE THEY REACH THE 100000 MILE MARK. I CAN CLEARLY SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY PERSON DEALING WITH THIS SAME ISSUE, SO THEY NEED TO LOOK INTO THIS!

NHTSA ODI #11013724

86,000 miles · May 23, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainService Brakes

THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT, ABS WARNING LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES FAIL TO ENGAGE WHEN THE ABS LIGHT IS LIT AND THE VEHICLE MAKES A WEIRD NOISE (SOUNDS LIKE GRINDING SOUND). YESTERDAY MY WIFE WAS UNABLE TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES W…

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THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT, ABS WARNING LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS COME ON RANDOMLY. SOMETIMES THE BRAKES FAIL TO ENGAGE WHEN THE ABS LIGHT IS LIT AND THE VEHICLE MAKES A WEIRD NOISE (SOUNDS LIKE GRINDING SOUND). YESTERDAY MY WIFE WAS UNABLE TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. THIS MODEL AND YEAR ARE UNDER A RECALL R61 (HHTSA 15V675000) BUT CHRYSLER SUPPORT SAYS OUR VIN IS NOT COVERED. TURNS OUT THAT THE MANUFACTURE DATE OF OUR CAR IS ABOUT 6 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE REPORTED RECALL MANUFACTURING DATES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT THEY REFUSE TO EVEN LOOK AT OR DIAGNOSE WITHOUT CHARGING US TO DO SO. IT DOES NOT TAKE A ROCKET SCIENTIST TO SEE THAT OUR VEHICLE IS EXHIBITING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS AND SYMPTOMS AS DETAILED IN THE ABOVE RECALL. I GUESS THEY WANT SOMEONE TO DIE BEFORE TAKING ACTION. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT SAFETY ITEMS LIKE ABS ARE COVERED FOR 5 YRS OR 100000 MILES AND OUR VEHICLE IS UNDER THAT DESCRIPTION AS IT HAS 86,000 MILES AND WAS BUILT 10/2011

NHTSA ODI #10991180

90,000 miles · Nov 29, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

FOR THE LAST FOUR WEEKS MY VEHICLE JUST STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND SHUTS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND THE CAR IS NOT MOVABLE FOR WELL OVER A FEW MINUTES. HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED AND IT CLAIMS TO BE NOTHING BUT YET THE SAME PROBLEM PERSIST PLEASE ADVISE ME ON WHAT I SHOULD DO, THE VEHICLE IS AT 90,000 MIL…

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FOR THE LAST FOUR WEEKS MY VEHICLE JUST STOPS IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND SHUTS OFF THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND THE CAR IS NOT MOVABLE FOR WELL OVER A FEW MINUTES. HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED AND IT CLAIMS TO BE NOTHING BUT YET THE SAME PROBLEM PERSIST PLEASE ADVISE ME ON WHAT I SHOULD DO, THE VEHICLE IS AT 90,000 MILES AND I WANT TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM PLEASE AND TY IN ADVANCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10928500

54,500 miles · Nov 5, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control

I WAS DRIVING ONTO THE ENTRANCE TO THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY CAR WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. IT STARTED HESITATING AND WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED, THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING AS WELL AS THE ETC LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT WHEN I CAME TO A STOP , THE CAR STALLED AND CUT OFF I COULD HA…

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I WAS DRIVING ONTO THE ENTRANCE TO THE EXPRESSWAY AND MY CAR WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED. IT STARTED HESITATING AND WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED, THE ESC LIGHT CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING AS WELL AS THE ETC LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF THE EXPRESSWAY AT THE NEXT EXIT WHEN I CAME TO A STOP , THE CAR STALLED AND CUT OFF I COULD HAVE BEEN REAR ENDED I PUT MY FLASHERS ON AND STARTED THE CAR IT STARTED BUT IT WAS STILL HESITATING I PULLED OVER IN A CAR PARKING LOT AND TURNED IT OFF I TURNED IT BACK ON AGAIN AND DROVE HOME SLOWLY AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO THE CAR DEALERSHIP THE LIGHTS DID NOT COME BACK ON I FEEL VERY VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THIS CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10924448

40,000 miles · Jul 27, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ...UPDATED 10/11/16 *BF *TR

NHTSA ODI #10888993

90,000 miles · Jun 21, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineSteering

TWICE NOW WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE CAR GOES FROM THE SPEED I AM DOING TO EVERYTHING IN MY CAR SHUTTING DOWN WITH NO WARNING. I HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY RADIO NOT WORKING(TOUCH SCREEN) AND MY CAR CHARGER IN THE CAR DOESN'T WORK, IREALLY THING THAT THE CAR HAS AN ELECTRICAL ROBLEM

NHTSA ODI #10875503

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10875382

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10837783

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.