Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While defrosting the windshield, the interior lights illuminated independently and the rear passenger side window rolled down independently. The driver side door panel caught fire. The contact extinguished the fire and the door panel would no longer shut or latch. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the entire door panel needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
While in the drive through car turned off and I couldn't stop and scraped the driverside fender on a yellow barrier pole. I thought it was a fluke (a wtf moment) so I never worried about it again. It still cuts off every now and again but I am usually parked or moving slowly. I did get pulled over one time when the car cut off and to stop I had to put it in park so I wouldn't run a stopsighn onto hwy 99. (he let me go) went for the recall on the ignition sat for over an hour only to be told they dont have the replacement part or know when they will have it. On many occasions I am unable to get the car to start. When this happens I have to place the car in neutral and try again. The car will start once placed in neutral. Whenever there is a thunderstorm the driverside rear door will fill up with water from the outside. If I slam the door hard the water will flow out of the bottom. …
I was on interstate 55 going north when my tire blew out causing damage to my car. There was no warning or any other variablel that caused it it just blew out while I ws going about 70 miles an hour. I purchased this tire a couple of months ago brand new so I was told at the place where I purchased it. I could have hurt or killed but thank god I did not panic. I was on my way to work thank god my wife was not in it when it blew out.
Tl contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the rear hatch door was open, she went to retrieve something from the vehicle and the hatch dropped down independently onto the contacts head. As a result, the contact sustained injuries to the neck which required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 103,028.
At 2000 miles on my 2009 Dodge Journey I started having problems with my front passenger window sticking, and brakes squeaking. Also car not shifting when taking off and when you slow down and try to speed back up. I took it in. They told me maybe sap in window and brakes fine. Three days later window acting up again. Took it in. Same reason. Cleaned and greased. This is the eight time I've taken it in. They have replaced motors, switches, tracks, seals and now wont roll up or down . The brakes have been an issue since the start. At 21000 miles the dealer tells me I need new pad and rotors. Take it to brake shop and they tell me all I need is pad. Brakes working fine right now but still squeak every now and then. They have replaced electrical harnesses that May catch on fire. The squeaking noise now has turned into other parts that are having to be replaced. …
Purchased date 7/3/2008- 4/3/2009- 3,424mi. Wiper blades had to be replaced. 4/8/2009- 3452mi.- replaced power inverter connectors because of recall. 6/22/2010-8,661mi.- hood arm came off, hood liner torn. Had to be replaced. 6/10/2011-13,082mi. Replaced both front door wiring harness because of recall. 5/18/2011-12,636mi.- small oil leak noticed by tech., was not oil leak so did not pursue further. 12/30/2011-15,258mi.- went in for oil change and tech. Noticed water leakage under car, said I had left ice in cooler compartment in back of drivers seat and it had melted and overflowed into carpet. I dried it up and on 1/16/2012 -15,382mi.- after alot of rain returned car to dealer , carpet and foam under drivers seat was water soaked again. Front and rear door gaskets on drivers side was replaced. Carpet was not dried so I had to return it on 1/24/12 to be dried. …
I purchased a 2009 Dodge Journey in August of 2008. I have had repeated problems with rotor and brake wear. The rotors have been replaced twice and all 4 brakes have been replaced twice with the front being replaced 3 times. The first of which occurred just past 12,000 miles. This is when brake and rotor wear warranty ends. I have also had significant problems with the wiring sensor module, resulting in stability control and anti-lock brake light to come one. I also have power ports in the vehicle that do not work as well as a lift gate that does not lock. I currently have 48,000 miles on the vehicle and now have issues with leaking. I am unsure how water is entering the vehicle, possibly thru the air conditioning drainage system. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the brakes were applied but the vehicle would not respond. The contact merged onto the shoulder in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they advised that the rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact also stated that the roof was leaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the contact was advised that the seams in the roof needed replacing. The dealer made the necessary repairs to the roof however, the failure recurred. In addition, the contact mentioned that the vehicle failed to start after being parked for a short period of time. The dealer was notified and advised that she should shake the gear shifter and then try to start the vehicle. …
04/10/11 NHTSA headquarters 1200 new jersey avenue, se west building washington, dc 20590 to whom it May concern. I am writing you in reference of the purchased of my brand new vehicle, a 2009-Dodge Journey se on June 08, 2008. This car beginning to have problems after it 6,000 miles having a numerous repairs since them. I submitted the car to the lemon law before the warranty time expired. Chrysler group denied it arguing that my car is running under the company expectation. Currently the car still has suspension problem and noises(such as brake noises, turn wheel noises and other). The car bouncing after 50 mp miles and every time that bumps on the street or on the highway the vehicle makes strongly bounces. The company states the bouncing and the noises are part of the cars manufactured. …
After raining the passenger side rear door fills with water. When I close the door I hear the water swish around inside and then I see it drain out of the bottom of the door. This is the 4th time that I have seen this happen in as many weeks. My wife has also noticed the exact same thing before I did. The door fills with water pretty much every time it rains. It seems like it is at least filling up with several cups of water. I am concerned with mold getting into the car and also the probability of an electrical short. This happens every single time it rains. In addition to the door filling with water the low tire pressure light keeps coming on and the rear left tire will slowly deflate. I have already had the tire replaced once and the same thing happened again in a matter of weeks. …
Body complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the body & structure of the 2009 Dodge Journey, 1% of the model year's 1,594 complaints. The component named most often is body (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Journey body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure 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 body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 3 injuries to body & structure 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.