2009 Dodge Journey Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 14, 2026 · 104 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey, 7% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 80,500 miles. The words owners use most often: “chrysler jeep” (9% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Chrysler jeep: mentioned in 9 of 104 complaints (9%)
  • Transfer case: mentioned in 9 of 104 complaints (9%)
  • Failed start: mentioned in 7 of 104 complaints (7%)

At what mileage do power train problems happen?

Based on 94 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles6 · 6%
10k–25k miles11 · 12%
25k–50k miles14 · 15%
50k–75k miles12 · 13%
75k–100k miles19 · 20%
100k–150k miles21 · 22%
150k+ miles11 · 12%

How serious are the reports?

Of 104 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 1 an injury.

Dodge Journey power train complaints by model year

Peak: 2009, with 104 complaints
2009: 10420091042010: 482010482011: 202011202012: 362012362013: 292013292014: 362014362015: 772015772016: 872016872017: 322017322018: 182018182019: 7201972020: 320203

n = 497 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearPower Train complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2020 Journey35%—
2019 Journey77%52,169
2018 Journey188%22,735
2017 Journey3216%29,660
2016 Journey8722%65,000
2015 Journey7714%78,000
2014 Journey369%30,000
2013 Journey298%68,793
2012 Journey3610%60,000
2011 Journey2012%85,000
2010 Journey485%79,900
2009 Journey1047%80,500

When owners reported it

Peak: 2015, with 12 complaints
2008: 2200822009: 332010: 6201062011: 662012: 9201292013: 992014: 102014102015: 12122016: 7201672017: 11112018: 122018122019: 10102020: 2202022021: 222022: 1202212023: 22

n = 104 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Oct 9, 2008 · NHTSA campaign 08V528000 · 712 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, dodge caliber, avenger, journey, jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (pcm) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.

Risk: This can cause the engine to stall and cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will replace the pcm free of charge. The recall began on november 10, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Additionally, the transmission failed to properly shift into the intended gear, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road…

Received Jul 13, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11532123

The viscous coupler located at the carrier rear malfunctions and causes the front transfer case to crack open. Do to this causing a catastrophic malfunction and possibly causing a severe accident I feel this should be recalled. These vehicles are well known for the front transfer case issue after…

Received Mar 28, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11514118

The rear end is going out fuel system is causing a misfire number six and the airbag light is on we have had more problems with it with the power steering starting it when it's cold and it rupturing the hose plus the wiring and the door front door there's wires broke supposedly fixed in 2011 but…

Received Apr 21, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11461710
Dodge Journey
Second generation Dodge Journey based on the second generation GAC GS5 (GAC GS4 Plus) in Playa del Carmen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Cannonball walk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2009 Dodge Journeys have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 104 owner complaints about power train for the 2009 Dodge Journey (7% of the 1,433 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Dodge Journey power train?

Yes: 1 safety recall list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do power train problems start?

The median reported mileage is 80,500 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about power train problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?

The most frequent phrase is “chrysler jeep”, in 9 of 104 complaints, followed by “transfer case” (9).

Other 2009 Dodge Journey problems

See all 2009 Dodge Journey problems or power train problems across all Journey years.