2009 Dodge Journey: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Dodge Journey has 1594 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and service brakes. Owners most often flag chronic 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

1,594
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
42
Crash reports
37
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
814
service brakes
374
air bags
286
hydraulic
228
engine
166

Recalls affecting the 2009 Journey

steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections

Campaign 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 …

air bags:frontal

Campaign 16V047000

FCA US LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2009 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured December 31, 2007, to August 31, 2008, 2008-2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles manufactured June…

electrical system:ignition:switch

Campaign 14V373000

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should a…

electrical system:wiring

Campaign 10V658000

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 DODGE JOURNEY VEHICLES MANUFACTURER FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007, THROUGH NOVEMBER 7, 2008. THE WIRES WITHIN THE FRONT DOOR WIRE HARNESSES MAY FATIGUE AND BREAK, WHICH CAN INTERRUPT…

What owners say across generations

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. Whi

  • Chronic 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission problems — stuttering during gear shifts, harsh shifting, loss of acceleration, slipping, and complete failure requiring replacement. Affects multiple model years (2011, 2014, 2015, 2016). Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Cooling system failures — overheating issues, coolant leaks requiring expensive hose and radiator replacements. Faulty thermostats suspected. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Faulty 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. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Journey.

Typical used price

Used Journey listings typically run $8,276–$12,617 across 2010 to 2020 model years.

Other Journey model years

2010 Journey2008 Journey
Full Dodge Journey owner reportCompare against another car