Dodge Journey Reliability and Common Problems

The Dodge Journey is a capable vehicle. Whether you’re using it for your long road trips or daily driving needs, it’s dependable and reliable as long as you take care of it properly. It’s surprisingly affordable to maintain compared with other midsize SUVs. Also, it holds value well. It only depreciates 40% after 5 years, according to CarEdge.com.

Is the Dodge Journey Reliable?

The Dodge Journey received good scores in terms of reliability. RepairPal rated it 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking 6th out of 26 vehicles in the same category. The Journey has a basic design with a comfortable interior. It can easily run over 100,000 miles. If you follow its regular maintenance activities and service schedule, it can last up to over 200,000 miles with no problems.

Top Dodge Journey Problems

Your Dodge Journey may be reliable, but some model years may have their fair share of problems. Here are the most common issues you may encounter with your Dodge Journey:

Interior Water Leaks

Your 2009-2018 Dodge Journey’s ride comfort may get ruined by cabin dampness due to water leaks. Some owners have experienced it at around 58,000 miles. They have reported that the floor under the driver’s seat may become wet if the vehicle is exposed to rain. Some have also shared that they found leaks near the rear side of their vehicles, which may drench your floor and carpet. They have reported that the leaks may appear near windows, headliners, and vents. Sealing up the leaky areas of your Journey may help resolve this issue and prevent further damage to your interior.

Malfunctioning Remote Keyless Entry System

The 2009-2017 Dodge Journey has many great features, but its remote keyless entry system is probably not one of them. It’s been known to malfunction quite frequently. It’s one of the most widely reported issues, happening at around 66,000 miles. It’s indicated by a bad key reading or “key not detected” message. Some owners have also shared that it may affect the key fob and the vehicle’s doors won’t lock or unlock. Aside from locking issues, the vehicle may not be able to detect the key, causing it to not start at all. There’s no clear cause that may trigger this issue, but a wireless ignition node (WIN) software upgrade may resolve it.

Overheating Engine

The 2009-2016 Dodge Journey’s engine has a tendency to overheat once it hits around 78,000 miles. The most likely cause is coolant flow problems due to debris blocking the primary thermostat housing’s cylinder head coolant port. At first, the vehicle’s car temperature light may turn on, but it may get worse over time. Some owners have shared that their vehicles were losing power, which gradually led to overheating. The vehicle may develop coolant leaks, which may become too much for its overflow reservoir and cause coolant fluid to spill over. If you suspect that your Journey has this issue, take your vehicle to your mechanic for debris removal or thermostat housing replacement if necessary.

Head Gasket Damage

2014 Dodge Journey head gasket problems are notorious among vehicle owners. It may start off with performance issues, progressing over time and causing the engine to fail or not run at all. It may be due to damaged or cracked head gaskets. Some owners have shared having leaky or blown head gaskets, which may cause severe engine damage. They have recommended a compression test to determine if your head gaskets are faulty. If they are damaged, you may replace them yourself or take your vehicle to a professional. It may happen with Dodge Journey vehicles at around 100,000 miles.

Stiff and Erratic Transmission

Dodge Journey transmission problems are common with the 2014 model year. It happens at around 15,000 miles and there’s no clear cause why it happens. Some owners have shared that the transmission may become stiff and erratic, producing abnormal clunking sounds while shifting. They also shared that they took their vehicles to their dealerships, but they cannot figure out what’s causing it. A few transmission-related technical service bulletins (TSBs), namely #10140106 and #10170368, were released over the years. However, there is no guarantee that they can help resolve this issue. If you’re experiencing transmission problems with your Dodge Journey, you’re not alone.

Prematurely Worn Out Brakes

One of the most troublesome 2009-2010 Dodge Journey problems is its brakes that are prone to premature wear. It happens to relatively new Journey vehicles at around 33,000 miles. Some owners have shared that the issue may become severe, requiring drivers to get their brakes fixed every 3 months. Some shared that they had to get their brake discs, calipers, rotors, and pads replaced, but they may wear out again not long after their last repair. Some reports say that it can get pretty expensive because each replacement may cost up to $400, depending on part and labor costs. It’s a common issue, but some owners have shared that Dodge did not cover any of their repair costs.

Won’t Start Due to Electrical Issues

The 2009 Dodge Journey’s electrical problems may cause your engine to not start at all. You may experience these problems setting in at around 60,000 miles. Some owners have shared that their vehicles may not start most of the time, forcing them to abandon their vehicles and get them towed. Some owners have reported that their Journeys may also shut off while driving in the middle of the road. They have shared that a starter motor or key fob replacement may resolve the issue, but it may not be a guaranteed fix. Other model years may also have these issues, so take your vehicle to your mechanic if you suspect that it has electrical problems.

The 2009 Journey is also known for faulty wiring, which prompted multiple recalls. It was recalled in 2008 for a bad wiring harness, which may cause a vehicle fire if not repaired immediately. The same model year was recalled in 2009 for a bad electrical connector, which may get too hot and potentially ignite. If you own an affected vehicle, take it to your dealership and you can get all recall-related repairs for free.

How Long Do Dodge Journeys Last? 

Despite these common Dodge Journey problems, you can expect this SUV to last around 150,000 to 200,000 miles. 

To prolong your Dodge Journey’s lifespan, follow its maintenance schedule. Clean your SUV’s interior and exterior regularly, and avoid overloading it when going on long drives. If your Dodge Journey develops any issues, ask a mechanic to check it as soon as possible.

Dodge Journey Years Should To Avoid

If you’re in the market for a Dodge Journey of your own, then there are some model years you might want to avoid.

The 2009 Dodge Journey’s problems range from an overheating engine to interior water leaks, making it an unfavorable model year for many. Other owners also complained about cramped and uncomfortable seats, so if you’re looking for a spacious cabin, you might want to steer clear of the 2009 model.

The 2010 Dodge Journey’s problems also make it an unpopular model year for many owners. Like the 2009 model year, it suffers from an overheating engine and interior water leaks. This is to be expected as there’s not much difference between the two model years, so you might want to avoid the 2010 version too.

Buying a new or used vehicle always comes with some risk. Learning about the possible problems of the model you’re interested in can definitely help you make up your mind. If you know about your Dodge Journey’s problems, you can manage them well as soon as they happen. Make sure to research the year model you have in mind and clear out any details with your seller before sealing the deal.

Where to Get Auto Parts and Accessories for Your Dodge Journey

Whatever model year of Dodge Journey you own, your vehicle is bound to experience issues that might require professional attention down the road. Some of the problems listed above require failed parts to be replaced before you can safely drive your vehicle again. Luckily, CarParts.com makes it easy for you to find compatible parts and accessories online.

Shopping for auto parts online is simple and secure when you shop from our website or our mobile app. Simply use our built-in vehicle selector to browse the parts and accessories that are compatible with your specific model year.

We also have warehouses strategically located across the country to maximize ordering and shipping efficiency. This means you can even expect your order to arrive in as little as two business days if you place your order before 12 pm ET.

Get the best deals on replacement Dodge Journey parts today!