Common Dodge Journey problems: electrical faults, brakes and ABS, the engine, and the recalls to check

The Dodge Journey is a seven-passenger SUV with a roomy cabin and a relatively affordable used price. Shoppers and owners tend to ask the same question: what are its weak spots, and what should be checked?

Word-of-mouth stories are often exaggerated or describe a single car. This article uses two sources that can be checked: the official recall list and the collection of owner complaints recorded at NHTSA, the United States road safety agency. Together they show which problems are reported most often and which recalls the manufacturer has issued for the Journey. This article discusses that pattern by system, then gives a practical inspection list.

The Dodge Journey was produced with several engine choices. Its gasoline engines include the 2.4 L four-cylinder, 2.7 L V6, 3.5 L V6 and 3.6 L Pentastar V6, while in some markets a 2.0 L diesel engine was available. Its automatic transmissions include the four-speed 40TES and the six-speed 62TE, with manual and dual-clutch options in certain markets.

The difference between variants is important because many recalls only apply to certain engines, production years, or manufacturing date ranges. The variants sold in each country are also not always the same. Before concluding that a problem applies to your car, confirm its engine, transmission, and year of manufacture from the vehicle documents.

For the 2009 to 2020 Journey models, the NHTSA database records 5,542 owner complaints. One complaint can name more than one system, and the order of the most often named systems is electrical, brakes, engine, airbags, then the other category and power train. After that come steering, the hydraulic system, seats, and stability control (ESC).

These numbers need to be read carefully. Complaints at NHTSA are owner reports that are not always verified, and their number is also affected by how many cars were sold. So this data is not a measure of reliability compared with other cars. What it does show is which parts draw the most complaints, so that is where an inspection should start.

Brakes are the second largest complaint group, and there are two recalls directly related to braking:

• Water entering the ABS module (campaign 15V-675). On 2012 to 2015 Journey models produced in a certain date range, water can enter the ABS module wiring and then leak into the module, so the ABS and/or ESC does not work. The repair is to seal the ABS wiring and replace the ABS module and repair the headlamp and dash wiring if needed.
• Rear brake caliper pistons (campaign 18V-523). On certain 2018 Journeys, the rear caliper piston coating may be insufficient so gas pockets form and rear brake performance drops. The remedy is to bleed the brake system.

If the Journey's ABS or ESC light comes on, the history of these two recalls is among the first things to check, alongside common causes such as wheel sensors.

Electrical is the largest complaint group, and several Journey recalls do involve wiring and sensors:

• Crankshaft or camshaft sensor (campaign 16V-907). On 2016 Journeys built in a certain date range, the sensor may work intermittently so the engine stalls. The repair replaces the sensor connector.
• 2.4L engine cover (campaign 15V-431). On 2011 to 2015 Journeys with the 2.4L engine, the engine cover can come off and touch the exhaust manifold, with a fire risk. The repair installs an improved engine cover mounting.
• Airbag wiring in the steering wheel (campaign 17V-432). On certain 2011 to 2015 Journeys, the airbag wiring inside the steering wheel can chafe and short circuit, so the driver airbag can deploy without cause.
• Ignition switch (campaign 14V-373). For 2009 to 2010 Journeys, owners were asked to remove all items from the ignition key ring until the recall is done, because the defect can affect the airbag system.

Power steering hose (campaign 16V-273). This recall covers 2009 to 2016 Journey models produced in a certain date range. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose can rupture when the engine is started, so steering assist is lost and the steering feels heavy, especially at low speed. The repair replaces the return hose, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler. Although the trigger is cold temperatures, the status of this recall is still worth checking on a used car that was once used in another country.

Transmission pump (campaign 16V-461). On 2016 Journeys built in a certain date range, the transmission pump can seize so hydraulic pressure is lost and the car loses motive power. The repair replaces the transmission pump. Other transmission complaints, including a transmission stuck in limp mode, are a separate diagnostic topic and are not repeated here.

The recalls above are recorded for the United States market. Cars sold in other countries may have different service campaigns, or none at all, and a car imported from the United States still carries its original VIN. The practical steps:

1. Find the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the vehicle documents or the VIN plate on the body.
2. Ask an authorized dealer of the brand whether there is an open service campaign for that VIN.
3. For a car from the United States, also check the recall status on the NHTSA site with the same VIN.
4. Ask for proof of recall work already done, for example service records.

• Confirm the engine, transmission, and year of manufacture from the vehicle documents.
• Check the status of all recalls with the VIN and ask for proof of the work done.
• Start the engine and make sure the ABS, ESC, and airbag lights go out after the initial check.
• Turn the steering wheel lock to lock just after the engine starts, and listen or feel whether the steering assist is normal.
• Road test and watch the gear shifts, power, and braking.
• Scan all modules with a diagnostic tool, not just the engine module, because many electrical and brake faults are stored in other modules.