Photo: SsmIntrigue / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Power
Combined, EPA 2020
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports.
7 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentChronic electrical system failures and parasitic battery drain
Very frequent reports of batteries dying repeatedly, often traced to faulty modules (e.g., hands-free module, entire radio/infotainment system) drawing power while the vehicle is off.
- Very frequentTransmission problems
Stuttering during gear shifts, harsh shifting, loss of acceleration, slipping, and complete failure requiring replacement. Affects multiple model years (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016).
- RecurrentEngine performance and stalling issues
Engine stuttering under acceleration, loss of power, rough running, and stalling when coming to a stop. Often accompanied by no diagnostic trouble codes.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentCooling system failures
Overheating issues, coolant leaks requiring expensive hose and radiator replacements. Faulty thermostats suspected.
- RecurrentFaulty sensors and warning lights
Persistent, intermittent warnings for Traction Control, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, and Electronic Throttle Control, often without clear cause. Acceleration may be disabled when these lights are active.
- IsolatedFuel system and gauge inaccuracies
Fuel gauge sticking at full, dramatic drops in fuel economy (e.g., from 22 MPG to 16 MPG), evap leak codes.
- IsolatedUnderpowered 2.4L 4-cylinder engine
Described as "grossly underpowered" for the vehicle's size.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific model year or trim is recommended. One isolated positive report references a 2017 model with low mileage purchased from its first owner, but this is presented as an exception.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda.
Is the Journey right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment based on long-term owner reports. The vehicle is characterized by pervasive and severe reliability issues, particularly with electrical systems, transmissions, and engine management, leading to repeated, expensive repairs. While a small number of owners report trouble-free experiences with specific low-mileage examples, the dominant consensus is that the Journey is an unreliable "money pit" and a vehicle to be avoided. Positive remarks are limited to its practicality as a family-sized vehicle and its affordability when purchased used, but these are heavily overshadowed by chronic mechanical failures.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available. Implicitly positioned as a budget, large-capacity crossover, but owner discussions universally frame it as inferior to mainstream competitors from Honda, Toyota, and Mazda in terms of reliability and long-term cost of ownership.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No recommended configurations are mentioned. Advice is uniformly to avoid the model entirely.
General recommendations
Strong, repeated advice from the owner community is to avoid purchasing a Dodge Journey, especially with higher mileage (over 100,000 km/miles). For those considering one due to budget constraints, an exhaustive pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is considered non-negotiable. Owners emphasize checking for a full maintenance history and advise negotiating for a comprehensive warranty if proceeding. The vehicle is described as suitable only for those prepared for frequent, unpredictable repairs. It is not recommended for primary transportation for families or those with tight budgets, as repair costs can quickly exceed the vehicle's value.
Remarks
The feedback spans model years from 2011 to 2017, with no single year identified as definitively more reliable. Problems are not isolated to high-mileage vehicles; issues are reported on vehicles with as low as 17,000 miles at purchase. The 4-speed automatic transmission in the 2.4L models and the complex electrical architecture appear to be primary failure points. The positive owner experience is a significant outlier, describing a 2017 model with 29,800 miles at purchase and one previous owner, suggesting that a pristine, low-mileage, single-owner example might be an exception. The overwhelming narrative, however, is one of persistent, costly breakdowns that erode any initial cost savings. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and problem reports.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2009. Years to avoid: 2010, 2009Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Dodge Journey years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 65 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 100 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2018 | 234 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 197 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2016 | 386 | 4 | engine |
| 2015 | 553 | 6 | engine |
| 2014 | 415 | 7 | electrical system |
| 2013 | 353 | 4 | service brakes |
| 2012 | 376 | 6 | electrical system |
| 2011 | 169 | 4 | service brakes |
| 2010 | 1,085 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2009 | 1,594 | 8 | electrical system |
| 2008 | 8 | 0 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices52 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2020 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V552000
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.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 25V552000
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.
2018 · visibility:rearview mirrors/devicescampaign 18V396000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. When reverse gear has been selected, the rear camera view may not be fully visible within two seconds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 18V398000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Journey and RAM 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The backup camera may experience a loss of image display while backing up. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
2018 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V332000
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.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 18V523000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
2018 · electrical system:wiring:front underhoodcampaign 18V524000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
2018 · exterior lightingcampaign 22V723000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2017 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V332000
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.
2017 · exterior lightingcampaign 22V723000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Dodge Journey vehicles. The amber side reflex reflector assembled into the headlamp may not reflect brightly enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2016 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V332000
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.
2016 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 16V907000
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.
2016 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 16V461000
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.
2016 · steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionscampaign 16V273000
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.
2015 · electrical system:wiringcampaign 18V332000
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.
37 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
3.6 V6
3.6L 6-cylinder · 283 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2010–2019