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 had the car for 2 years. Since I've had it, it would randomly not start, the heat would only work in the back vents. Got everything fixed associated with starter, battery, everything. For the last 6 months, my engine like has been on, and an ESP light. I got the engine checked, brakes fixed, routers, brake pedal switch replaced and it's still doing the exact thing. Gear won't shift sometimes but it isn't the transmission.now they are saying possible electrical issue but this has been going on for months! After I've put more than 1000 into everything that has not fixed the issue.
We bought the car new in April of 2009. In August of 2012 brakes started acting 'sticky and jerky'. Took it back to the dealership just because of the brakes (had extended warranty). We had a strong feeling it had something to do with the ESP bas system. They didn't even look at it before saying 'no' it wasn't the ESP bas system. Through multiple dealership service visits, oil changes and such; brakes stayed constantly jerky. 2+ years ago I went into dealership for tire rotation and oil change and they told me I'd have to replace my brakes soon. Unhappy with the long wait and cost of service at the dealership I've been taking the Journey into another shop where I asked them to check my brakes and they said they were fine. Yesterday while driving approx. 35mph the ESP bas lights came on and all of a sudden the brakes weren't sticky or jerky. …
I was stationary in a parking lot. My vehicle has electrical problems when it gets below 50 degrees f. All of my dashboard warning lights come on and my gauges won't register including my fuel, RPM, and speedometer. My turn signals won't work and neither will my emergency hazard lights. My door locks and window controls work intermittently when this happens. My navigation screen/back-up camera will not work and my wiper blades and headlights stay on even though the controls are set to off. My wiper spray nozzles won't work and neither will my high beams. It will stay like this until my vehicle warms up, usually about 20-30 min. I am a nurse and often have to take call at night, so sometimes I don't have time to let it warm up. I have had to download an app that will tell me my speed and pray I don't get into an accident. …
End of valve stem shot out of stem while trying to air up tire, end corroded and broke, replaced stem and sensor unit. Seems that this is a serious problem with the metal types that are put on and installed at the factory on these models cars. Even service station (Firestone) said they have collection of bad stems on these vehicles. I got lucky that I noticed air pressure indicator light was on an took it to station to air up tire when I tried to put air in tire and end shot out like a rocket and then I lost all the air in my tire. What has to be done to have this issue taken care of by the manufacturer when these are obviously defective. Does some one have to be driving down the road get in an accident because the stem blows out and they get a flat or blow a tire. …
First the light turn on of the air bag (movement). In other night when I turn on the alarm it's start to activate on panic mode then I turn off the alarm wait for a various minutes and activate again (off), but in less than a minute start to be in panic mode. In other day (movement), says that was an open door and the locks start to put it many times, any of the doors wasn't open (movement). In the same day at night it's start to turn on/turn off the inside lights, put the locks, and the message of a door it's was open (movement). The alarm was on panic mode twice and the light's was againg turn on/turn off (off). The batterie, every time that I try to turn on the vehicule I need a booster to charge it again. The mechanics says that the alternator and the batterie are in good conditions has the voltage that needs to be operating. I put a new batterie but the problem persist. …
On several occasions my Dodge Journey has shut off while driving and while sitting at a traffic light. Some instances occurred while turning at a traffic light or driving straight ahead on a local city road. The check engine light, traction equalizer warning and air bag lights all come on just prior to the car shutting off most times. Other times there is no warning until my steering wheel and brakes lock up indicated that the car has shut off. I've had the car serviced for the engine amongst other repairs and the problem still persists and the codes clear only temporarily. The car lights dim or flicker and the car shakes sometimes when starting up indicating that the car will not hold power to drive. The battery is good and the mechanic has stated that the issue is electrical.
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. While driving 50 MPH and making a right turn on a curve, the vehicle started to wiggle. The contact depressed the brake pedal, skid into traffic, and crashed into a ditch; however, the vehicle continued skidding into the bushes. As a result, all four windows fractured. The vehicle was towed to the contacted residence. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The contact received notification of nets campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I had to have transmission replaced which I filed a complaint already and since that the ESP , all wheel drive, skidding and another light keeps coming on and off and my brakes only work half the time and now my driver window wont go up or down or mirror work and today my car wont start. My husband checked fuses they are good but have no power to over half of them. I called tate Dodge they want another 1102.00 just for me to but the TIPM part and do the work myself. I cant break a fuse box and do not feel this is fair and unless I replace then my car dont work now.
I was driving down the road, (the road has a slope) my car hit a bump in the road and shut completely off. I kept pressing the brake but it didn't stop the car from rolling down hill because there was no power to the car. My car rolled into the back of another car. This vehicle is part of a recall and I have made several trips to a dealer to get it repaired but I am told each time that the part is not available. I am afraid to drive this car. This time it was an accident the next time it shuts off it May be a fatality.
Traction Control complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2009 Dodge Journey, 2% of the model year's 1,594 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Journey traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control 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 traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to stability & traction control 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.