Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I've gone through 6 batteries in 1 year and I still have to keep jumping my vehicle Everytime I start it. I am currently stranded in Walmart parking lot with no jumper cables and I am being forced to walk now. Also there are times when I am driving down the highway and at any given moment it acts as if I stomped on the brakes. The lights go off and on, the windows roll up and down, the door locks are out of control and the gauges on the dashboard go out of control as well. I recently bought a new TIPM and ECM because when I replaced the battery it would no longer start. This vehicle is very dangerous and I'm sorry I ever bought it. It seems as if dodge cares more about their money than a human life
Hi I bought this Dodge Journey on May 24 2021 since the First day I bought it the car started giving me problems the dealer wouldn't take the car back and in stuck with it the engine from the car is Giving me problems it won't accelerate is very scary I'm very concerned because I got kids and also the car started smoking .
While driving at a speed of 45 MPH on a road that is rated for 55 MPH, the left driver side tire separated from the car. While trying to control the car by hitting the brakes the car speed began to increased.
I was driving on the highway, with my daughter in the car, and my truck completely lost power. I was luckily able to pull over and restart the vehicle. It was very scary and my life and my daughter's life were in jeopardy. This happens approximately one every 3 weeks. Today, 11-25-2013, my fiance was driving around a roundabout, the car died and she was hit lightly from behind. Also, the controls on my driver's side door do not work properly. They rarely roll down the windows correctly and right now, the back driver's side window is down. I had to duct tape plastic on the door. I am taking it to the dealership tomorrow to try and fix these problems. I just don't know why this series of 2009 journeys were not recalled. We are scared to even drive the Journey especially because of the lost power issue and with really no money to have it diagnosed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, vehicle failed to accelerate. The speed decreased to 10 MPH and vehicle went into limp mode. The electronic throttle warning indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where she was informed that the throttle and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to contact's residence. The contact called cherry hill Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (1708 w, nj-70, cherry hill, nj 08002, [phone]) however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The contact stated that the failure was similar to the failure stated in NHTSA campaign number: 08V247000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 98,000.
My 2009 Dodge Journey will not shut off when you take the key out. The windows will not go up and down. I brought into a Dodge dealership and had the recall on the ignition switch and the wiring harness in the driver door replaced. My car still will not shut off and windows still don't work but now won't go into gear after dealer repaired. I took it to a second dealer and now after 3 week they are saying I need a TIPM for $1700. But they don't know if that will fix the problem? Plus now the car will not start. My car is in worse shape then when I brought it into the dealership to repair? I called the corporate office and they are not willing to do anything.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While driving 50 MPH, the ESC, ABS, and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle began to shimmy. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, which cleared the warning indicators momentarily; however, the failure recurred. Atlantic Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram (2330 us-1, st augustine, fl 32086, [phone]) informed the contact that the lateral acceleration dynamic sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,736.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced lack of acceleration and moderate vibration while being operated at 60 MPH. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to dick poe Chrysler Jeep (6501 montana ave, el paso, tx) where it was diagnosed that the PCM was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there were no recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While driving various speeds, the instrument panel lighting suddenly flashed off and on and the vehicle's speed decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V528000 (electrical system), although the failures were identical. The failure mileage was 114,000.
The car power will fluctuate with the RPM going up and down when trying to accelerate. New trhottle body with tps sensor, intake air sensor and gas pedal sensors were replaced and still having the same issue. The engine problem light is on also the electric throttle control system light is on. The vehicle has only 83000 miles. Active codes are p0642, p2138, p0335 & p0113. The car is dangerous to drive due to speed fluctuation.
Acceleration complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2009 Dodge Journey, 2% of the model year's 1,594 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Journey acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2009 Dodge Journey, though it has 8 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Journey acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.