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 owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle began to deaccelerate its speed and multiple warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated she saw smoke exiting under the hood and parked on the side of the road. The contact was able to exit the vehicle with her 3 children before the vehicle exploited into flames. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. The contact stated the fire department extinguished the fire and a fire report was filed. A police report was also filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was towed to towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed. A dealer was not contacted. The contact called the used dealer where she bought the vehicle and made them aware of the failure. …
The contact owned a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in a parking lot, she had observed a small amount of smoke but was not aware of where the smoke was being emitted. The contact stated that she was alerted that her vehicle had burst into flames. The contact stated that when she was able to get to her vehicle the flames had been extinguished by the fire department and it was being towed away. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and issued a report. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to an impound lot and her insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact was advised by her insurance provider that her vehicle had an open recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V431000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) which had not been completed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact then stated that her husband was able to tow the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where they disconnected the Bluetooth module. The contact stated that the vehicle was operable however, a few days later, while driving, the check engine and throttle body warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle stalled again. The contact stated that she allowed the vehicle to rest for fifteen minutes to before being able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to an inspection station to be inspected but failed due to the mass air flow sensor. …
Our 2013 Dodge Journey (only owners) has had a few recalls and had multiple challenges with overheating within the engine. Although, We have had all the recalls we are aware of completed it continues to shut off and not start. Ours, our children, and other passengers safety has been at risk as we have been strained with no running vehicle and the unknown if the vehicle will just shut off while in operation. While we can not guarantee the sources of the general internet it is a common search and alignment to say an abundance of 2013 Dodge Journey owners have experienced this and have been searching for answers yet have not received an adequate response. Our vehicle has been inspected by a Dodge facility, and two other independent mechanics to no avail we are in this situation with no answers nor solutions. …
Recently I have been having issues with the rear back up camera in the vehicle not working turning off beeping when nothing is around, also glitching and showing the camera upside down. I am also experiencing battery drainage in the vehicle I have just had the battery replaced and the alternator replaced as well, while I am searching online for common issues this seems to be happening to a large amount of people and the issues just keep equaling out to more then one problem. Motors staying on, electrical problems, constant power draws, many more issues I have many links to articles with dodge journey owners having numerous issues and dodge not wanting to fix anything or recall things to fix their mistakes. I can add links to this page. [redacted]
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated initially noticed that power steering fluid was leaking onto his driveway. The contact also stated that while driving at slower speeds, extra effort was needed to steer the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000 (Steering) however, the Vin was not included. Additionally, he also stated that while his wife was at stop light, the vehicle shut-off while accelerating. The contact stated that his wife was unaware if any warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. She was able to immediately restart the vehicle and resume normal driving. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the front end of the vehicle. The "Low Oil" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken for an oil change, and the contact was informed that the oil level was adequate, and the oil was clean. The contact was informed that the warning light might be faulty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer found 5 holes in the radiator. The radiator was replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the engine also needed to be replaced. The engine was not replaced. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Vehicle will not start. Took to dealership and they charged battery. After repairing some recommendations I got the car back and it wouldn't start. Same issue as before, I took it back and they said it was dead battery. I paid for a new battery and drove it home. Next day it would not start. I've been reading some reader boards and I'm told it has to do with wiring to the transmission. It gets cold in Alaska and my daughter and granddaughter can't be stranded in inclement weather. Tested the starter and the alternator and both are good. New battery and new key fob battery and still a no go. Dodge needs to figure this out, as their certified mechanics can't seem to diagnose the issue.
The Catalytic Converter is the issue per our mechanic. We have had several issues out of the the vehicle, resulting in more money than the car is worth. The car no longer reaches over 55-60 mph, which is unsafe on the highway. Many times the car wont start. We thought it was the battery which have been changed several times, but the last mechanic stated it in fact the recall part that is needed.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 19, 2010, to May 26, 2015 and equipped with 2.4L engines. In the affected vehicles, the engine cover may detach from the engine and contact the exhaust manifold.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install an improved mounting system for the engine cover, free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2015.
Engine complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Dodge Journey, 22% of the model year's 353 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Dodge Journey engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 15V-431 (engine, Jul 7, 2015). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2013 Dodge Journey engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.