Dodge Journey Engine Problems
Owners have filed 949 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Dodge Journey across 13 model years. The 2010 model year has the most (164). The words owners use most often: “engine cooling” (9% of reports).
- 949engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 15mention a crash
- 11mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $1,400typical repair cost reported by owners
- 33%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 89 of 949 complaints (9%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Dodge Journey at $1,400, and half of them between $1,000 and $2,850.
Based on 15 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2014–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 634 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 949 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 35 a fire, 11 an injury.
Dodge Journey engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Journey | 8 | 12% | 57,800 |
| 2019 Journey | 9 | 9% | 38,000 |
| 2018 Journey | 30 | 13% | 15,000 |
| 2017 Journey | 43 | 22% | 48,900 |
| 2016 Journey | 113 | 29% | 64,244 |
| 2015 Journey | 135 | 24% | 56,798 |
| 2014 Journey | 98 | 24% | 55,194 |
| 2013 Journey | 72 | 20% | 82,000 |
| 2012 Journey | 97 | 26% | 89,000 |
| 2011 Journey | 29 | 17% | 89,000 |
| 2010 Journey | 164 | 17% | 80,000 |
| 2009 Journey | 149 | 10% | 82,000 |
| 2007 Journey | 2 | 50% | 36,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2016
Problem: Chrysler (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.
Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor connector, free of charge. The recall began February 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S89.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Risk: If the displaced engine cover contacts the exhaust manifold, there would be an increased risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R32.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2012
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk: Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. 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.
Won't start sometimes. This is because the BRAND NEW battery is slowly draining. Yet nothing has been left on, no lights, doors all securely shut. Nothing is left on that's visible anyway. Left me stranded and had to get towed or jumped. The battery is brand new as I mentioned. Afraid it's going to…
Sitting at red light and with out warning car turns off I place it in park and try to start car again as soon as I push the ignition to crank the car a huge explosion from under the hood blew the hood backwards striking the a-piler to the driver's door trapping me inside the car as flames were…
Car overheared i was checking on regular basis to maybe sure it haf coolant.warning lights didnt come on.temperature gage was normal. Oil hot came o. 2 times with temperature gage just fine .sone who the upper inlet on top radiator hose broke off into the hose . No sign no warning car just kept…
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an…
Car since bought either won't start or fails to come out of gear then stalls out in reverse or randomly in intersections I have small children and it's dangerous and several mechanic cant figure it out. Replaced batteries starters and issue continues
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Journeys have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 949 owner complaints about engine for the Dodge Journey. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Journey engine?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Dodge Journey?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,400 (half paid between $1,000 and $2,850), from 15 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Dodge Journey?
The most frequent phrase is “engine cooling”, in 89 of 949 complaints.
Other Dodge Journey problems
- Electrical System problems (2,089)
- Service Brakes problems (677)
- Air Bags problems (638)
- Power Train problems (497)
- Steering problems (339)
- Seats problems (307)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (282)
- Electronic Stability Control (esc) problems (275)
See all Dodge Journey problems.