Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V432000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that previously, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would hesitate to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The check engine oil pressure warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact managed to pull over at a local gas station and noticed black smoke leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she depressed the release hood latch button, the engine fire increased and rose in size. The contact was able to safely exit the vehicle. The contact managed to obtain a nearby fire extinguisher and extinguished the fire with the help of nearby pedestrians. The local fire deparment arrive on scene and filed a report. A police report was not filed. …
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speed, the air bag warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was not yet performed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 108,800. The VIN was not provided.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front passenger's side headrest air bag independently deployed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 132,300.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the air bag and ABS warning lights illuminated, and the cruise control feature became inoperable. The contact received notifications for Manufacturer Recalls: R61 and T47; and the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the air bag wiring harness and the ABS module water ingress were replaced; however, the failure reoccurred approximately five years later. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Cusumer choice automotive 1706 lower Roswell rd. Sold me a vehicle with a branded title with /knowledge it was a total loss vehicle now the ABS and traction lights or on the seatbelt deployed light is on air sensor light on and brakes or grinding I purchased on 10-4- 2025 this is November-20-2025 I asked for refund and to cancel they say as is not sure this is a wreck or flooded vehicle
I got in my car to go to work and noticed that the front headrests were busted open. I didn't not know that there were airbags in them, but apparently there are? The car has not been in an accident and was just sitting in my driveway. I have read up on this a little and it has happened to many other people as well. There is no reason for the cause, just a defect.
On November 26th as I was driving the headrest just popped and hit the back of my head, after doing a little bit of research I found out it's actually an airbag, nothing hit the back of the seat since I was the only one in the car, I'm concern as to how this had happened and if the other headrest will go off as well.
There was no damage to my headrest when I parked my car on the evening of: June 29, 2024. On Sunday morning; June 30, 2024. When I entered my vehicle. I learned that the driver seat headrest; airbag deployed/busted open for no apparent reason. My children travel with me in this vehicle. This is very, very dangerous!
I was just pulling out of my driveway and it broke open air bag hasn't deployed but driver side head rest air bag compartment sounded like a small explosion but it broke open. There was no accident, I didn't hit anything just did it on it's own.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. While driving 15 MPH and turning left, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the contact's vehicle. All the air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to restrain the contact. The contact sustained injuries to the head, face, neck, spine, knee, and chest, as well as lost consciousness. Medical attention was required and the contact was transported to the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an insurance facility where it was deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but failed to assist. A dealer was contacted, but could not explain why the air bags failed to deploy and the seat belt failed to restrain. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may unexpectedly deploy if the air bag wiring harness gets chafed within the steering wheel and short circuits.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the air bag wiring within the steering wheel, replacing it if necessary. A protective cover will also be installed. These repairs will be made free of charge.
Airbag complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2013 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the air bags of the 2013 Dodge Journey, 12% of the model year's 353 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Dodge Journey airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 17V-432 (frontal, Jul 7, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Journey airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 crashes, 1 fire and 14 injuries to air bags 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.