Dodge Journey Power Train Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 6, 2026 · 497 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 497 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Dodge Journey across 12 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (104). The words owners use most often: “chrysler jeep” (6% of reports).

What owners describe

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

  • Chrysler jeep: mentioned in 31 of 497 complaints (6%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Dodge Journey at $2,700, and half of them between $1,950 and $6,400.

Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2019–2025), 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 power train problems happen?

Based on 360 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles49 · 14%
10k–25k miles43 · 12%
25k–50k miles55 · 15%
50k–75k miles53 · 15%
75k–100k miles78 · 22%
100k–150k miles60 · 17%
150k+ miles22 · 6%

How serious are the reports?

Of 497 complaints, 17 mention a crash, 12 a fire, 6 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: 2019, with 74 complaints
2008: 2200822009: 332010: 9201092011: 12122012: 162012162013: 16162014: 262014262015: 36362016: 302016302017: 38382018: 482018482019: 74742020: 432020432021: 39392022: 252022252023: 29292024: 162024162025: 20202026: 15202615

n = 497 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Power train:automatic transmissionJun 24, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V461000 · 26,298 vehicles

Model years: 2016

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured July 31, 2015, to April 18, 2016, 2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured August 17, 2015, to January 29, 2016, and 2016 RAM ProMaster vehicles manufactured August 15, 2016, to April 15, 2016. The transmission pump may seize causing a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Risk: If the transmission loses hydraulic pressure, the vehicle may lose motive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission pump, free of charge. The recall began on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S44.

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

Model years: 2009

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's wife owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The vehicle lost power while depressing the accelerator pedal in the middle of an intersection and narrowly avoided being struck by an 18-wheeler. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact and…

Received Sep 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767746

The contact owns a 2019 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was restarted and then towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The…

Received Sep 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767845

The powertrain control module went out on my dodge and caused the car to be stuck in limp mode which could cause an accident if driving on the road

Received Sep 16, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11764861

On the morning of August 26, 2026, my 2017 Dodge Journey 2.4L was brought to DeLand Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for federal safety Emissions Recall Z98, which required updating the software calibration on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The vehicle was scanned by the dealer at check-in (116,561…

Received Aug 27, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11759928

Had over 1300 miles until next oil change. Car has no leaking issues. Car ran out of oil completely and seized engine during camping trip. I use synthetic and both mileage/time were both way under than what was on my next oil change sticker... warranty says they won't cover it. So now I just have a…

Received Jun 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11742564
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 Dodge Journeys have power train problems?

No. NHTSA has 497 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Dodge Journey?

Owners report a typical cost of $2,700 (half paid between $1,950 and $6,400), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

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

The most frequent phrase is “chrysler jeep”, in 31 of 497 complaints.

Other Dodge Journey problems

See all Dodge Journey problems.