Dodge Journey Recall Issued Due to Anti-Lock Brake, Anti-lock Brake, Electronic Stability Control Problems

Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 275,000 Dodge Journey sport utility vehicles (SUVs) following hundreds of warranty claims that suggest water may damage the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), potentially leading to failures that could cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle and crash. 

The Dodge Journey recall (PDF) was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 29, following an investigation into an estimated 378 customer complaints and warranty claims involving the anti-lock brake and electronic stability control problems.

It was determined that the systems’ failures during use was caused by water entering the wiring harness for the ABS system, creating a short in the module. While no injuries have been reported in relation to the recall, this may increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents.

The recalled Dodge SUVs are equipped with both ABS and ESC systems that may fail if the connecting wiring harness is exposed to moisture. The NHTSA revealed in their recall announcement that water could infiltrate the systems and leak onto the module, disabling both of the features due to an electrical short. In the event of a system failure, the driver may lose control of the vehicle as stability becomes a problem, and be at an increased risk of a crash and injury.

At least 275,614 Dodge Journey vehicles from model years 2012 through 2015 are included in the recall, all of which were manufactured from April 21, 2012 to April 14, 2015. The NHTSA and Fiat Chrysler indicate that only one percent of the vehicles being recalled may actually be impacted by the defect, but are recalling all out of an abundance of caution.

The vehicles were manufactured by Chrysler, FCA US LLC of Auburn Hills, Michigan and were distributed throughout the United States to licensed dealers for sale.

Chrysler has announced that it will begin notifying owners immediately with instructions on how to get in touch with their local dealer to schedule a repair that will include sealing the ABS wiring harness to prevent water from entering, replacing the ABS module, and repairing the headlamp and dash wiring harness all free of charge.  The notification schedule has not yet been released but owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-1403 and reference the recall number R61