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 2010 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the throttle warning light would flash on the instrument panel as the vehicle would either stall or go into limp mode. The contact also stated that the vehicle would fail to start up after multiple attempts without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the ECU, suspension, and several various electrical components were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle pulled and caused hesitation while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the gears hesitated to shift. The contact smelled burning wires emitting from the vehicle. The check engine warning indicator illuminated for approximately three weeks and then dimmed. Recently, the check oil and check engine warning indicators remained illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer provided case number: 31647063. The approximate failure mileage was 128,400.
Horn blew intermittently at first when shutting doors, and occasionally for no reason. Windows would go down part way when doors were shut. Ignition would sometimes just click click when key is turned, wipers would move when not engaged to be on. Battery would go complexly dead for no reason and then be OK for a month or two and then do it again. Had to disconnect the horn a few years ago as it would not stop going off. Has been in to kayer Chrysler, Dodge service several times and they could not find issue. They just called and said they founsd. Short in the main electrical component and it will cost $1100plus for part and up to $200 to install. We have had these issues since we bought it. Oh yeh heat and air on passenger side quit working a few winters ago, and the doors fill with water in every rain storm. Park on a hill after a rain and doors will drain for hours. …
I have not kept track of specific dates, however I now plan on doing so. Since I've purchased this car I've had issues with it starting. Of course I take it back to the dealer where I'm told they can't find anythigng wrong with it, the second time I'm told it just needed a software update, and the third I decided to take it somewhere else. I know it's not the started, battery, alternator, or fuel pump. I've been told it has to be electrical or a software issues. Basically either Dodge knows what the issue is and is lying or they really have no idea. Either way I pay a lot to have a realiable car and it's really frustrating to go into the grocery store come out and my car doesn't want to start, or have to leave for work and end up being late because again my car decides it doesn't want to start. Each time the dealership hasn't charged me anything. …
I first bought the Dodge Journey in March 2015 used from a dealership. 2 months later I start seeing problems: -when I lock the vehicle, occasionally after sitting for a long time I will come out and the windows will all be down and the vehicle unlocked -I have had many occasions where I try to start the vehicle and it just clicks. I have to move the shifter from park to neutral (sometimes several times for several minutes) to get the vehicle to start. I do not want to get stranded with this vehicle!! -passenger window will sometimes not roll down using the passenger side window button but operates normally using driver side controls there seems to be many electrical problems with this vehicle and I fear that we will end up in a crash related to electrical failure.
The vehicle will only start while put into neutral, when it desires, this does not work all the time. Have been told by several mechanics and the dealer that it is a ongoing problem with the neutral safety switch in 2009 and 2010 Dodge journeys, because the switch becomes loose and needs adjustments every few months. This has resulted in myself being stranded several miles from home in a heat advisory, that resulted in heat stroke, from not being able to get access to a cool place with fluids as the vehicle left me stranded for several hours awaiting help. Tow truck driver took note of the vehicle make and model an knew exactly what the problem was an placed it in neutral and it started right up, was advised to contact and report a safety issue with the vehicle.
I have replaced the alternator twice since we bought it. But the engine light comes on , the and light comes on and the traction light comes on. Sometimes the just flash off and on. Then the next two to three days these lights are persistently on and the car does not want to go over 20 to 30 miles per hour. Two of the four cylinders seems to be "misfiring" or not firing at all. All these things are obviously happening when you are driving the vehicle. And sometimes when you are coming to a stop sign of traffic light, the vehicle will just shutdown. Then you have to try and jump it off for it to crank again....if it will crank at all. Had to tow it to a garage for repair on March 24, 2019. Replaced the battery, alternator(for the second time), and spark plugs.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the dip stick for the transmission leaked after the engine was running for more than 70 miles and fully heated up. The transmission fluid boiled and came up the top of the dip stick and leaked down around the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the other leaks were repaired, but this one remained an issue. The manufacturer gave them a three year extended warranty because of the leaks, but told the contact they would do no more repairs to the vehicle after that. The vehicle had not caught fire, but the transmission fluid leaked onto the manifold. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Automatic transmission gear shift became progressively hard to shift into gear. It then locked into park and I had to open the access area to release the locking mechanism. I took it to my independent car repair expert and had to replace the cable to the gear box. There is a lot of labor involved in replacement and was a $484.70 repair. When I called the Dodge dealer they told me it would be between $600-$700 to replace the cable because of the amount of labor, so I had my independent repair shop replace it. It is now in perfect working order. My repair shop said this issue should never have happened, and that the issue is caused by where the cable is placed and not protected well.
On hot days car began leaking automatic transmission fluid from assumed vent on top of cable shifter linkage. Car was sitting and not driven in a approximately 3 days and was positioned in a forward incline. Dip stick showed high on the fill tube above hash marks. Also horn blaring without touching. Regardless if someone is in the car or not. The horn will go off all times of day or night. It is a honk. Honk....hoooooonk.....hoooooooonk. Best way to describe it is someone is angry or an emergency is taking place and other drivers need to move. It is random on when this will happen
Transmission complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2010 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2010 Dodge Journey, 5% of the model year's 1,085 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2010 Dodge Journey transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2010 Dodge Journey, though it has 4 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 2010 Dodge Journey transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 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.