Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The driver restarted the vehicle and continued to drive; however, the failure recurred. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed back to the residence. An independent mechanic went to the residence to inspect the vehicle. The mechanic replaced the starter and installed a new battery however, the failure recurred. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the ignition switch and the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that several attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The ABS, Traction Control System, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the battery twice; however, the failure reoccurred. Additionally, the contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as designed and hesitant to respond. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the destination. The contact stated that the following day while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with TIPM failure. The contact was informed that the totally integrated power module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.
Vehicle owner was driving and pulled over when all warning lights began flashing, wipers came on, horn started honking, windows would not go down, doors would not unlock, and vehicle started on fire. Fire appeared to begin in the engine compartment, with fire eventually consuming entire vehicle.
The Carbondale Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire In the parking lot behind the above-listed address. Fire personnel arrived and found a 2009 Dodge Journey with an engine compartment fire. Fire personnel used tank water and a pre-connected 1 3/4 In. hose line to extinguish the fire. There were no exposures or damage to other property. Upon completing the extinguishment, an origin and cause investigation was conducted, which Included, but was not limited to, scene examination, documentation, and interviews. The owner of the vehicle stated the following: He purchased the vehicle new. He has liability Insurance only through Allstate. This Is not his primary vehicle. He does his own service. No known electrical Issues, and there were no warning lights on the vehicle before the fire. …
09 Dodge Journey 3.5l v6 issues started the day after I bought the vehicle!! will cut off while driving, stall and cut off at stop lights, stop signs. Way too much heat coming from motor, ac compressor making allot of noise. Overheating issues, brake light switch issue. Cruise control malfunction, driver's window switch and window not working. Rear tv stopped working after a snow storm, rear ac/ heater not blowing at all, cars won't shift out of park at all. Headlights stopped working. All lights flashed on and off while driving down the freeway at 80mph, now it's saying gas cap on dash, while driving to a job the timing belt broke after being replaced 2 months earlier, water pump is leaking after being replaced 2 months ago. Water soaking the passenger and backseat floorboards and I can't figure out why. …
I have power door locks not working except manually or driver door by key. Key fob and door module for locks will not function. I cannot open the hatch due to power lock function. The Airbag light comes on when vehicle is started and the door is open and only disappears after the door is closed, engine shut off then restarted. Also the engine light came on for awhile then off and is now back on. This is what code scan report says. Engine and Transmission are P0420 Catalyst Efficiency (Bank1), OBDll Codes ($03) is Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1. The Airbag is U0172 Lost Commuication w/Left Side Satellite Accelerator Sensor 1- Stored. The Door Module- Front Right (DMFR) is B16A5 Passenger Window Switch Backlighting Circuit High-Stored. Not sure exactly what these all mean but I think the Power Locks are a safety issue along with the Airbags. …
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
The gear will not shift unless I press the release button. After I took it for a recall in Route 18 Dodge dealer East Brunswick NJ, it came back without been able to shift. I asked the mechanic why my car is no moving, they said you have to press the release button and shift gears at the same. I told them I didn't bring my car in like this. After I spoke to "Mike" the manager, he said it was a matter of time. I'm scare for my life when driving because now is making all these sounds on the transmission.
I have issues starting it. New starter, new battery and it just dies. Luckily I was parked when it died. I have children, if it dies while driving I could be in a serious car crash with my children in the car. I do not want to die, I love my car but I do not want to be put in danger because of this type of issue. I also do not want to be stranded somewhere. PLEASE HELP.
Engine complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 196 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Dodge Journey, 12% of the model year's 1,594 complaints. The component named most often is engine (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Journey engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 14 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to engine & cooling 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.