DODGE RECALL 2011-2015 2012 DODGE JOURNEY PURCHASED MARCH 25 2017 - TOTAL LOSS AS OF APRIL 24TH 2017 ENGINE BLEW DURING A REVERSE
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Journey years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
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.
Engine complaints
97 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (VILLE PLATTE DODGE, 1320 W MAIN ST, VILLE PLATTE, LA 70586, (337) 363-6627) WHERE IT WAS INDICATED THAT THEY SERVICED THE VEHICLE UNDER A MANUFACTURER R…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER (VILLE PLATTE DODGE, 1320 W MAIN ST, VILLE PLATTE, LA 70586, (337) 363-6627) WHERE IT WAS INDICATED THAT THEY SERVICED THE VEHICLE UNDER A MANUFACTURER RECALL REGARDING THE BRAKES AND WITHIN A WEEK THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE BRAKES HAD FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY WHEN APPLIED. THE VEHICLE AS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN TWICE AND THEY HAD BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE AFTER SEVERAL TEST DRIVES. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V675000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), AND 15V431000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE DEALER REMEDIED THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
DRIVING AT LOW SPEED, DURING LEFT HAND TURN VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED OUT AND POWER STEERING CEASED FUNCTIONING. POWER TO RADIO, LIGHTS,ETC. REMAINED FUNCTIONING. UPON COMING TO STOP IN SNOWBANK, PLACED VEHICLE IN PARK, PRESSED IGNITION BUTTON AND VEHICLE RESTARTED.
I'M EXPERIENCING AN ODOR THAT IS COMING THROUGH MY VENTS, IT SMELLS LIKE ANTIFREEZE BUT THEN THE ODOR CHANGED AND IT SMELLED LIKE ANESTHESIA AND HAD AN EFFECT LIKE IT AS WELL. I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND HAD THE AIR-CONDITIONER RUNNING (SUMMER 2016) MY EYES STARTED TO GET BLURRY AND THE SMELL WAS TAKING OVER ME, I…
Read full complaint
I'M EXPERIENCING AN ODOR THAT IS COMING THROUGH MY VENTS, IT SMELLS LIKE ANTIFREEZE BUT THEN THE ODOR CHANGED AND IT SMELLED LIKE ANESTHESIA AND HAD AN EFFECT LIKE IT AS WELL. I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK AND HAD THE AIR-CONDITIONER RUNNING (SUMMER 2016) MY EYES STARTED TO GET BLURRY AND THE SMELL WAS TAKING OVER ME, I SAID TO MYSELF I THINK I'M ABOUT TO PASS OUT ( IT WAS A FEELING LIKE I WAS GOING UNDER TO PREPARE FOR SURGERY) I QUICKLY LET THE WINDOWS DOWN TO AIR OUT THE CAR. AND THEN I WAS FINE. I DID NOT RUN THE AIR THE REST OF THE SUMMER. NOW THAT IT IS WINTER I WAS RUNNING MY DEFROST AND THE SAME SMELL WAS THERE SO I QUICKLY DEFROST AND AIRED OUT THE CAR. ALSO WITH IT BEING COLD AND TURNING ON THE HEAT I STILL GET THAT ANTI-FREEZE SMELL. SOMETIMES WHEN I AM NOT RUNNING ANYTHING THROUGH THE VENTS A WHIFF OF THE SMELL COMES THROUGH. I HAD MY CAR SERVICED AND LOOKED AT BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG AND COULD NOT DETECT THE FOUL SMELL. EACH TIME I AND THESE ENCOUNTERS I WAS DRIVING BOTH IN THE CITY AND ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS STARTED IN THE SUMMER OF 2016 AND IT IS STILL HAPPENING AS OF 3/17/17
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V431000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, SMOKE APPEARED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V431000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,026. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED TWO DAYS AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAIL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 DODGE JOURNEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED TWO DAYS AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.
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…
Read full complaint
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
I HAVE HAD 5 ENGINE FIRES ,IN THE LAST 8 MONTHS, THE FOAM INSIDE THE ENGINE COVER MELTS ,CAUSING TOXIC FUMES TO COME IN SIDE THE DODGE JOURNEY,YOU CAN NOT USE THE HEATER OR A/C BECAUSE YOU WILL LOOSE YOU BREATH, I LMOST HAD A DEATH OCTOBER 23,2016 IN THIS 2012 DODGE JOURNEY, DUE TO TOXIC MELTING FOAM, .. DODGE WILL NOT DO ANYT…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD 5 ENGINE FIRES ,IN THE LAST 8 MONTHS, THE FOAM INSIDE THE ENGINE COVER MELTS ,CAUSING TOXIC FUMES TO COME IN SIDE THE DODGE JOURNEY,YOU CAN NOT USE THE HEATER OR A/C BECAUSE YOU WILL LOOSE YOU BREATH, I LMOST HAD A DEATH OCTOBER 23,2016 IN THIS 2012 DODGE JOURNEY, DUE TO TOXIC MELTING FOAM, .. DODGE WILL NOT DO ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM, ALSO PLEASE REFER TO COMPLIANT #10915935 NHTSA,PLEASE HAVE SOME ONE CALL OR E MAIL ME , IKNOW THST I WILL LOSE MY JOURNEY SOON DUE TO FIRE.....
ENGINE COVER CHATCHES FIRE, I HAVE TAKEN THIS 2012 DODGE JOURNEY TO THE DEALERSHIP 23 TIMES, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COVER , NOW THE NEW COVER HAS BEEN ON FIRE, I WAS TOLD THAT ,THEY -THE DEALER SEVICE DEPT DON'T KNOW WHY THE COVER KEEPS TRYING TO BURN,THIS IS A 2.4 LITER 4CYL ENG, I NEED HELP, BEFORE THIS JOURNEY TOTALLY…
Read full complaint
ENGINE COVER CHATCHES FIRE, I HAVE TAKEN THIS 2012 DODGE JOURNEY TO THE DEALERSHIP 23 TIMES, THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COVER , NOW THE NEW COVER HAS BEEN ON FIRE, I WAS TOLD THAT ,THEY -THE DEALER SEVICE DEPT DON'T KNOW WHY THE COVER KEEPS TRYING TO BURN,THIS IS A 2.4 LITER 4CYL ENG, I NEED HELP, BEFORE THIS JOURNEY TOTALLY BURNS..........
Official recalls
617V432000 · 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
2EA24003 · 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.
Illustration