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2016 Dodge Journey: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Journey years.
386 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Journey?The 2016 Dodge Journey has 386 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and power train. Owners most often flag 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).
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Journey years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Journey?
Across the 13 Journey model years we track, complaint volume runs from 8 (2008) to 1,594 (2009). With 386 complaints, the 2016 Journey sits about the same as the model's median of 353.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Journey
electrical system:wiring
Campaign 18V332000Chrysler (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.
engine and engine cooling:engine
Campaign 16V907000Chrysler (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
Campaign 16V461000Chrysler (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
Campaign 16V273000Chrysler (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.
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.
- 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).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Journey. See the full Journey owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Journey listings typically run $7,366–$11,775 across 2010 to 2020 model years.
Other Journey model years
Compare every Journey year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
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