Dodge Journey Problems: 12 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2009-2020 model years · Based on 4,140+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,140+ owner reports, the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey has 12 documented known issues, with 8 rated critical by the Au7o research team. 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) and Power Steering Hose Rupture - Recall ($0-$800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Premature Brake and Rotor Wear with 850 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $4,500. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 12 Known Issues
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.
Common Symptoms
- Vehicle stalls while driving or fails to start
- Fuel pump runs continuously with key off
- Intermittent power locks, windows, wipers
- Warning lights staying on
- Battery draining overnight
How to Fix
Replace TIPM with new or remanufactured unit. For 2009-2010 fuel pump relay only, aftermarket bypass cables available ($50-150). TIPM repair services offer board-level repairs for $200-400.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 500+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipUpFix and Circuit Board Medics offer TIPM repairs ($200-400)
- TipBlue Elf and Vertical Visions sell fuel pump bypass cables for 2009-2010
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.
Common Symptoms
- Engine shuts off while driving
- Key appears in "Run" but engine turns off
- Airbag warning light illuminates
- Loss of power steering and brakes
How to Fix
Have recall repair completed immediately at any Dodge dealership free of charge. Dealers replace ignition switch and key FOBs. Remove all items from key ring except ignition key until recall completed.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 200+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteGet recall completed immediately - serious safety issue
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.
Common Symptoms
- Battery warning light illuminated
- Dimming headlights or interior lights
- Lights dim or brighten with engine RPM
- Battery dies or won't hold charge
- Whining or grinding noise from alternator
How to Fix
Test alternator output voltage and amperage to confirm failure. Replace alternator with quality rebuilt or new unit. Inspect serpentine belt and replace if necessary. Check battery condition - failing battery can damage alternator.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 290+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipUse quality rebuilt alternator (Bosch, Denso) rather than cheap units
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.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking, tapping, or knocking from valve covers
- Noise increases with engine RPM
- Check engine light with misfire codes
- Rough idle
- Noise more pronounced when cold
How to Fix
Replace all rocker arms preventatively. Inspect camshafts for scoring - if damaged, camshaft replacement required. Extended warranty covers 2011-2013 models (10 years/150,000 miles on left cylinder head). Use only OEM Mopar rocker arms.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 300+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteAddress ticking immediately before camshaft damage occurs
- TipReplace all rocker arms at once, not just failed ones
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.
Common Symptoms
- White smoke from exhaust (coolant burning)
- Milky or foamy oil (coolant mixing)
- External coolant leaks
- Engine overheating repeatedly
- Loss of coolant with no visible leak
How to Fix
Replace head gasket which requires cylinder head removal. Have head inspected for warping and resurfaced if necessary. Replace thermostat and housing simultaneously. Check for additional engine damage from overheating.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue
- Note2014 is worst year for this issue - avoid this model year
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.
Common Symptoms
- Oil leak from under intake manifold
- Low oil level warnings
- Oil smell when engine hot
- Oil dripping onto ground (front passenger side)
- Oil consumption between changes
How to Fix
Replace OEM plastic housing with upgraded aluminum aftermarket housing from Dorman or Mishimoto ($150-300). Aluminum eliminates heat-related cracking issues. Requires intake manifold removal and is labor-intensive.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 225+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeReplace with Dorman aluminum housing (superior to OEM)
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.
Common Symptoms
- Brake pads worn by 12,000-15,000 miles
- Pulsating or vibrating brake pedal
- Squealing or grinding noises
- Extended stopping distances
- Warped rotors requiring replacement
How to Fix
Replace with higher-quality aftermarket components designed for heavier vehicles. Use premium ceramic pads and thicker rotors. Ensure brake hardware replaced and calipers lubricated. Regular inspections every 10,000 miles.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 850+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeUse Wagner ThermoQuiet or Akebono ceramic brake pads
- NoteAvoid "economy" brake parts - they wear even faster
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.
Common Symptoms
- Transmission slips to neutral during 1-2 or 2-3 shifts
- Delayed engagement (2-3 seconds) into Drive or Reverse
- Transmission stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode)
- Harsh or erratic shifting
- Engine stalls when shifting to Drive
How to Fix
Replace solenoid pack ($200-400). Worn sealing rings require transmission removal and internal repair. Always change fluid and filter first. Dealer diagnostics needed to identify failure point.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 450+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipChange transmission fluid every 30,000 miles - not "lifetime" fluid
- NoteUse only Mopar ATF+4 transmission fluid - never substitute
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.
Common Symptoms
- Engine cranks but won't start (no fuel pressure)
- Engine stalls while driving
- Fuel pump runs continuously with key removed
- Battery drains overnight
- Intermittent stalling then restart
How to Fix
For 2009-2010 models, install external fuel pump relay bypass cable ($50-150). For 2011-2014, TIPM replacement or repair required. Temporary fix: tap on TIPM to restore connection. Professional TIPM repair services $200-400.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 400+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipVertical Visions and Blue Elf sell quality bypass cables for 2009-2010
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.
Common Symptoms
- Power steering fluid leak after cold start
- Red/pink fluid puddle under vehicle
- Sudden loss of power steering assist
- Very heavy steering at low speeds
- Whining or groaning from power steering pump
How to Fix
Covered under recall 16V273000. Dealers replace power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and oil cooler free of charge. Contact Dodge dealer immediately for free repair. Do not drive with leaking power steering.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 150+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteCheck if recall completed, especially in northern climates
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.
Common Symptoms
- AC blows warm air
- AC works intermittently
- Compressor clutch not engaging
- Loud grinding or squealing from compressor
- Musty odor from vents (evaporator mold)
How to Fix
Diagnose AC system to identify leak source. Replace failed compressor ($400-800), evaporator ($300-600), or condenser ($200-400) as needed. Flush AC system when replacing compressor. Replace receiver/drier whenever system opened.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 320+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipUse only PAG-46 oil for AC system
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.
Common Symptoms
- Engine temperature light or gauge showing overheating
- Overheating in traffic or at idle
- Heater blowing lukewarm or cold air
- Coolant appears dirty or contaminated
- Steam from under hood
How to Fix
Flush cooling system thoroughly to remove debris from thermostat housing port. Replace thermostat and housing gasket. In severe cases, thermostat housing replacement needed. Use only Mopar OAT coolant. Change coolant every 50,000 miles.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 275+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteDon't ignore early overheating - damage progresses quickly
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Dodge Journey problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,140+ owner reports, the 2009-2020 Dodge Journey has 12 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Premature Brake and Rotor Wear, TIPM Electrical System Failure, 62TE Transmission Slipping and Solenoid Failure. Of these, 8 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Dodge Journey reliable?
The 2009-2020 Dodge Journey has 12 known issues documented across 4,140+ owner reports. 8 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. 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.
How much does it cost to fix common Dodge Journey 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.
What year Dodge Journey is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Dodge Journey. Based on owner reports, issues 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 12 documented issues from 4,140+ owner reports.
Get DIY Repair Guides for Your Dodge Journey
AI-powered step-by-step repair and maintenance guides tailored to your exact vehicle. Enter your year, make, and model to get started.
Get Started Free