2009-2020 Dodge Journey Problems: 22 Known Issues
2009-2020 model years · 4,140+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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2009-2020 model years · 4,140+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,140+ owner reports, the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey has 22 documented known issues, with 15 rated critical. The most serious are Premature Brake and Rotor Wear ($300-$600 repair), TIPM Electrical System Failure ($200-$1,200 repair), 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure ($300-$4,500 repair), Fuel Pump/Relay Failure (TIPM-Related) ($50-$1,200 repair), Pentastar 3.6L Rocker Arm Failure ($800-$3,500 repair), Ignition Switch Failure - Recall ($0-$0 repair), Head Gasket Failure ($1,500-$2,800 repair), Power Steering Hose Rupture - Recall ($0-$800 repair), Transmission Pump Seizure / Loss of Propulsion (Recall 16V-461), TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure Causing Widespread Electrical Faults ($600-$1,500 repair), Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) Module / Ignition Switch Defect (Recall 14V-373), Journey Cruise Control May Remain Engaged — Wiring Short Recall 18V332000, 2014 Journey Included in Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall 17V824000, 2018 Dodge Journey — Powertrain Control Module Replaced Free Under Recall 18V524000 (U87) and 3.6L Pentastar V6 Left Cylinder Head Failure (Misfire on Cylinders 2/4/6) ($1,200-$3,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Premature Brake and Rotor Wear with 850 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Ram ProMaster and 2019-2020 Dodge Journey vehicles. Cracks in the microprocessor may cause the vehicle's rearview camera image not to display properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 4,140+ owner reports, the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey has 22 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Premature Brake and Rotor Wear, TIPM Electrical System Failure, 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure. Of these, 15 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2009-2020 Dodge Journey has 22 known issues documented across 4,140+ owner reports. 15 issues are rated critical: Premature Brake and Rotor Wear and TIPM Electrical System Failure and 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure and Fuel Pump/Relay Failure (TIPM-Related) and Pentastar 3.6L Rocker Arm Failure and Ignition Switch Failure - Recall and Head Gasket Failure and Power Steering Hose Rupture - Recall and Transmission Pump Seizure / Loss of Propulsion (Recall 16V-461) and TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure Causing Widespread Electrical Faults and Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) Module / Ignition Switch Defect (Recall 14V-373) and Journey Cruise Control May Remain Engaged — Wiring Short Recall 18V332000 and 2014 Journey Included in Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall 17V824000 and 2018 Dodge Journey — Powertrain Control Module Replaced Free Under Recall 18V524000 (U87) and 3.6L Pentastar V6 Left Cylinder Head Failure (Misfire on Cylinders 2/4/6). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Dodge Journey issues range from $0 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Premature Brake and Rotor Wear, typically costs $300-$600 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Dodge Journey. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey with 22 documented issues documented across 4,140+ owner reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles manufactured May 9, 2016, to July 15, 2016. The crankshaft or camshaft sensor may only work intermittently, causing the engine to stall.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
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.
+ 5 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Dodge installed undersized braking components on 2-ton Journey, resulting in severe premature wear. Owners report needing brake replacement at 12,000-32,000 miles instead of typical 50,000+ miles. Class-action lawsuit filed. Repairs typically run $300-$600. Severity: high.
The TIPM experiences catastrophic failures affecting multiple systems. Fuel pump relay most common failure, causing vehicle to stall while driving. Other failures include power windows, locks, wipers, cruise control. Can drain battery or cause fires. Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: high.
The 62TE 6-speed automatic experiences solenoid pack failures and worn sealing rings. Slips during 1-2 or 2-3 shift, delayed engagement, unexpectedly shifts to neutral. Enters "limp mode" locking in 3rd gear. Repairs typically run $300-$4,500. Severity: high.
Fuel pump relay integrated into TIPM fails, preventing fuel pump activation or causing it to run continuously. Engine stalls due to loss of fuel pressure while driving. Most common TIPM failure mode, can strand drivers unexpectedly. Repairs typically run $50-$1,200. Severity: high.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 suffers from rocker arm failures producing ticking/tapping noises. If not addressed, failed rocker arms damage camshafts. Manufacturing defect in rocker arm assembly. Extended warranty for 2011-2013 models. Repairs typically run $800-$3,500. Severity: high.
Defective wireless ignition node detent ring allows key to slip from "Run" to "Accessory" or "Off" while driving, shutting off engine without warning. Disables airbags, power steering, and power brakes. Serious safety recall affecting ~700,000 vehicles. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
2014 models with 2.4L engine notorious for head gasket failures around 100,000 miles. Fails due to overheating issues and possible manufacturing defects in gasket material or cylinder head warping. Plastic thermostat housing contributes to overheating. Repairs typically run $1,500-$2,800. Severity: high.
Power steering return hose ruptures upon engine start-up in extremely cold temperatures. Affects vehicles with engine block heaters in cold climates. Causes rapid fluid loss and heavy steering creating crash risk. Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: high.
The transmission pump in the 6-speed automatic of certain 2015-2016 Journeys may not conform to specification and can seize, causing a loss of hydraulic pressure and a sudden loss of motive power while driving. NHTSA recall 16V-461 (Chrysler S44) covered roughly 26,000 vehicles a… Severity: high.
The under-hood TIPM (a fuse/relay/computer combo) is a known failure point on early Journeys, causing a wide array of erratic electrical behavior. Owners report random horn honking, no-start or hard-start conditions, windows and door locks operating on their own, premature batter… Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: high.
The Wireless Ignition Node module has a bad detent that lets the FOBIK key slip from the RUN position back to ACCESSORY, shutting the engine off while driving. This causes loss of power steering, brake boost, and can disable the airbags. Owners also report the key becoming stuck… Severity: high.
The 2014-2018 Dodge Journey is on the list of FCA vehicles recalled under campaign 18V332000 for a cruise control system that may not disengage. Per NHTSA, a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring while cruise control is engaged can leave the driver unable to shut the system o… Severity: high.
NHTSA recall 17V824000 covers 2014 Dodge Journey vehicles that were equipped with a Kidde plastic-handle or push-button 'Pindicator' fire extinguisher. The extinguishers can clog internally, which prevents the unit from discharging as expected or makes it require excessive force… Severity: high.
Certain 2018 Dodge Journey crossovers were recalled by FCA US in NHTSA campaign 18V524000. Their powertrain control module may carry a circuit-board voltage regulator chip that can fail. Owners of an affected Journey would experience the failure as a stall while driving, or as a… Severity: high.
Early 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines suffer a left-bank cylinder head defect (valve guides/seats) that causes loss of compression and misfires on cylinders 2, 4, or 6. The problem was widespread enough that Chrysler issued TSB 09-002-14 and extended the left cylinder head warranty to… Repairs typically run $1,200-$3,000. Severity: high.
AC compressor fails due to inadequate lubrication, leaky seals, and internal mechanical failure. Evaporator develops leaks from age and moisture. Condenser prone to damage from road debris. Lack of lubrication from leaks causes compressor seizure. Repairs typically run $500-$1,800. Severity: medium.
Alternators fail prematurely due to bearing wear, voltage regulator failure, and internal diode damage. Stops charging battery properly causing electrical system problems and eventually dead battery. Sometimes overcharges, damaging electrical components. Repairs typically run $375-$1,100. Severity: medium.
Debris accumulates in cylinder head coolant port at primary thermostat housing, blocking coolant flow and causing overheating. Typically occurs around 78,000 miles. Can cause head gasket failure or engine damage if not addressed. Repairs typically run $350-$650. Severity: medium.
Plastic oil filter housing on 3.6L Pentastar warps, cracks, and leaks due to heat exposure. Housing located under intake manifold, making leaks difficult to detect until severe. Heat degradation causes plastic to become brittle and crack. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Dodge fitted undersized front brakes to the relatively heavy 2009-2010 Journey, leading to abnormally fast pad and rotor wear. Owners commonly report needing new pads and rotors at 12,000-32,000 miles, far earlier than expected, often accompanied by noise, pulsation, and warping. Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.