Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 that while reversing in cold weather, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Upon inspection, the contact became aware that the power steering hose was leaking fluid and had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that there was a cracked power steering hose located underneath the vehicle. The contact replaced the power steering hose; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 172,000.
The steering locked up could not turn or straighten car out. All electrical things lights air conditioning gas light just went haywire and is still not working. The shifting system I guess is what u call it started slipping out of gear like going into natural or first gear and nothing else. Several cars had to serve to keep from getting hit at 70+ miles an hour and I had no control other than to hit the break on the freeway and pray. Accordingly to the Bob site there's so many problems I know the ones I've had I just didn't know I could let any one know that mattered. I've reported it today. The first time it slipped out of gear I thought maybe it was something I may have done as far as the electric it was Little things like AC works as it pleases airbags light up tire pressure ECT the gas light no longer moves stays on E unknown to exact dates
Power steering hose ruptured after a few days of snow and ice. I went to drive to the store but was unable to turn out of the driveway due to no power steering. I done some research to where I found out there was a recall for this same issue but evidently my VIN # isn't included in this recall as while as many others I have read about online. I think this needs to be looked into.
Power steering return hose ruptured when I started the vehicle after setting in sub zero temps for about a week. Found a recall for this same problem but my vehicle was not listed. I feel it should have been. Hope you can adjust the recall for this major issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While attempting to make a right turn, the vehicle became difficult to steer and stalled without warning. The front end of the contact's vehicle crashed into the front end of another vehicle. The front end of the contact's vehicle was damaged and was no longer able to be driven. The vehicle was towed. A police report was filed. The contact received neck, back, arm, and head injuries. Medical attention was received. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system) and 16V047000 (air bags); however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect and VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power steering hose ruptures at cold temps. Recall s08 is in effect for same year, make, model but VIN is not covered. Petition has been started to get those of us who are experiencing the same issue some resolve in this matter. Http://chng.it/whklrvvjb8.
Power steering return line ruptures in cold weather. There is an open recall for same make, model, and year but my VIN number is not under that recall. Recall #s08. I have had this issues since I bought the car used in 2013. Every year when it gets cold out I start the vehicle and the line burst leaking power steering fluid everywhere. I have not had the money to replace the lines and this has been happing for 5 years now. This has now created a seal on the power steering pump to leak as well. Now I have power steering fluid all over my entire engine because of the pump leaking everywhere. I called Dodge and they were not helpful told me it's a VIN specific issue and there is nothing that they can do about it when I'm clearly having the same exact issue. Please help!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. When the vehicle was started, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that there was no power steering fluid inside the vehicle. When the contact attempted to add power steering fluid, it leaked out onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to wilde Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram south street (1710 wi-164, waukesha, wi 53186, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the power steering cooler and return hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently at the dealer awaiting parts for the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 103,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While driving 25 MPH, an abnormal noise was detected from the vehicle. The contact also mentioned that the battery needed to be charged in order for the vehicle to start and power steering fluid was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering hose was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to riverside auto & truck sales (n3696 us-2, iron mountain, mi 49801, [phone]) where the contact was informed that the vehicle would need diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 131,000.
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016.
Steering complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Dodge Journey, 5% of the model year's 1,594 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Journey steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-273 (hose, piping, and connections, May 6, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Journey steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to steering 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.