Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. Additionally, the transmission failed to properly shift into the intended gear, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and shut off the vehicle and the vehicle failed to operate normally. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the ECM/ECU needed to be rewired. The ECM/ECU wiring harness was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the PCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 165,000.
replacement transmission, the car jumps when driving with a foul burning odor and it sounds like a lawnmower when taking my feet off the gas to slow the vehicle down the car speeds up, the transmission light is still on, the problem has gotten worst, the component has not been inspected, the first time the transmission light appears was on 10/7/2021, and then it was checked by a mechanic and his devise read CODE P0760 "Shift Solenoid" on my 2009 dodge journey
The rear end is going out fuel system is causing a misfire number six and the airbag light is on we have had more problems with it with the power steering starting it when it's cold and it rupturing the hose plus the wiring and the door front door there's wires broke supposedly fixed in 2011 but are broke again every recall if you type in 09 Dodge journey is what's going wrong with mine right now but there's supposedly no recall on it
The viscous coupler located at the carrier rear malfunctions and causes the front transfer case to crack open. Do to this causing a catastrophic malfunction and possibly causing a severe accident I feel this should be recalled. These vehicles are well known for the front transfer case issue after many months of scouring the internet I finally found out the cause of this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the rotors, calipers, transfer case, and front passenger seat sensor caught fire, the vehicle also experienced a loss of power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the brake rotors and the brake caliper were defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also had the vehicle repaired at the dealer for the transfer case malfunction. Upon inspection for the seat sensor failure, the contact noticed that a rubber boot was not installed, which resulted in the insulation igniting. The contact extinguished the flames and placed electrical tape at the end of the wire. The vehicle was able to be restarted after numerous attempts. The tire sensor also malfunctioned, which resulted in the tire constantly going flat. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the engine failed to start. The contact was able to start the vehicle after multiple attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The transmission was repaired and the key fobs were replaced, but the failure persisted. In addition, the contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front driver side of the contact's vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained knee and lower back injuries that did not require medical attention. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V373000 (air bags, electrical system). The contact mentioned that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While driving 25 MPH, a loud abnormal noise was heard and smoke emitted from the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the contact independently noticed that the transaxle was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transfer case and two gears in the transfer case had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000. Updated 12/21/16 updated 7/9/18
Takata recall there's a recall on Dodge journeys 2009 and the sxt is having the same exact problem. The PCM is draining batteries and causing my truck to shift hard or shifts to the second gear and won't power past that. Very concerned because my wife is pregnant and she often has to press on the control board from work to get the truck crunk. Once a week she gets a jump off because the module drains her battery. Because our VIN doesn't fit the recall numbers it won't get fixed but it's the same problems as the recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Dodge Journey. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started to smoke. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer the next day, where it was diagnosed that there were a crack in the power unit case that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,379.
I purchased the 2009 Dodge Journey sxt used in 2012. In less then a year I had to replace an axle, then replace a drive shaft. Once the drive shaft was replaced, less then a month later I was driving home and heard a clicking noise. It lasted no longer then a minute and then about 1 mile down the road as I was turning on to my road I heard a loud crack. My vehicle then shook violently as I drove, as if one of the tires might be falling off. I cautiously continued on at no more then 15mph to my drive (maybe 2/10 of a mile). When I pulled in my car was smoking. The next day we had the vehicle towed to a local repair shop, thinking maybe it was a transmission problem. And were informed it was a transfer case needing to be replaced. It had cracked and split down the middle and was leaking fluid. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
Chrysler is recalling 712 my 2009 sebring, Dodge caliber, avenger, journey, Jeep patriot, and compass vehicles. A new adhesive used in the power train control module (PCM) manufacturing process can cause the printed circuit board to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the PCM free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2008. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Transmission complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 132 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Dodge Journey, 8% of the model year's 1,594 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Dodge Journey transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-528 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Oct 9, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Dodge Journey transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 10 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.