Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Dodge Journey owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake pads needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the brake pads were replaced. The contact also stated that the cruise control system failed to operate as designed, and the driver's side window failed to open as needed. The contact stated that the Navigation System was inoperable and there were also several unknown warning lights illuminated upon starting the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the engine made an abnormally loud sound. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had progressively worsened. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the driver's side of the cabin, underneath the steering wheel, was significantly hot while driving. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that the traction control warning light and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for State Inspection however, the vehicle was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified if the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,150.
The vehicle started making a whining noise, also brake light came on, vehicle lost ability to brake in open traffic, slipping in and out of gear, vehicle loss power while driving in open traffic. This all began on or around 10/8. The engine light came on in the vehicle after which time the vehicle was no longer driven by owner as a safety precaution. On 10/11 the vehicle was diagnosed by Aamco transmissions. The mechanic advised the vehicle had experience hydraulic pressure failure, the hydraulic pump in the vehicle went out unexpectedly. The mechanic said all fluids were inspected and topped off and look well all except transmission fluid, which was described as burnt. The mechanic explained that because of the pump failure the transmission wasn't receiving any pressure. …
FCA US LLC PO Box 21-8004 Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8004 Mopar part #68194693AF (discontinued) VIN# 3C4PDDBG8GT[redacted] Sir or Madam, I am writing to your Company regarding the lack of availability of the ABS Control Module for my 2016 Dodge Journey. My vehicle, like those of numerous other Dodge Journey owners, has a malfunctioning ABS Control Module. Because of this malfunction, the ABS and cruise control do not work, placing me and my family in an unsafe situation. Some owners have even reported that they cannot drive their vehicles due to locked brakes resulting from this malfunction. I have tried every source in existence to find a replacement module, but I have been totally unsuccessful. Your Company's response that you are unable to maintain a complete inventory for an indefinite period of time is appalling. …
My abs module has malfunctioned so I lost anti lock brakes traction control and cruise control. The dealership has no parts and don't know when they can them. I also have another vehicle from chrysler with same issue They have no idea when they will get parts and want me to pay up front before they order it. I find that wrong in so many ways. I called chrysler and they didn't give a darn. I asked if car was safe to drive and all I got was I don't know. I don't know about you but this is pure bs this should be a recall item I mean it's only the brake system. This a huge problem it's not just chrysler they all bought cheap Chinese parts and they don't work. You need to put a fire up [redacted] to fix this before someone dies They are putting thousands of new cars out and they rest of us can't get parts. …
My abs, brake and traction light came on. I ran a code reader which indicated my abs module has failed. I called my local dodge garage and they said this is a known common issue with my year make and model, and while there is a recall for dodge trucks for this, there isn't for the journey. The part is also on backorder. I have looked on many forums and many dodge journey owners also have this issue. I use this car to get my children around and to school each day. When the weather turns, my car will no longer be safe. I am urging for this abs module to be on recall so it can get fixed, as even the dodge garage i called today confirmed the part isn't readily available due to how many dodge journeys have this issue.
I believe the 2016 Dodge Journeys should be included in the 15V675000 recall. My passenger side floorboard was wet, mechanic changed filter but water can still be heard sloshing in the car. Since then, emergency brake, and check engine light will randomly turn on while I'm driving. The "service AWD" and "service park assist system" notice will turn on when I start my car. Now, the car is not registering as parked. I can't turn the car on and it goes into a security mode because I get a "car not in park" notice. I have had the car serviced and checked multiple times and no codes come up. I have the brakes checked when the light ABS light flashes, no issues can be found.
The 2012-2015 Dodge Journey was previously subject to an NHTSA recall for an electronic stability control module defect producing similar ABS warning and brake-related symptoms. The 2016 model year was not included in that recall. Other 2016 Dodge Journey owners have reported the same symptoms to consumer complaint databases and noted the gap in recall coverage. The 2018 Dodge Journey was separately recalled for a brake caliper defect affecting braking performance. The defects I experienced on this 2016 vehicle appear consistent with a documented pattern across multiple Dodge Journey model years that may warrant extending recall coverage.
The traction control light, the service AWD light and the abs light are all on, the horn stopped working, the buttons on the steering wheel stopped working, the backup camera stopped working, the air in the back portion of the vehicle turns on randomly-and the temp to the back randomly adjusts on its own and the heated steering wheel control shuts off and doesn't work. I brought it in to the dealership to have the U49 recall completed but they said they don't have to inspect the wiring that is included into the functioning of the CAN bus system. All of these issues started within a week of each other and nothing fixes them.
Brake complaints in other Journey years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2016 Dodge Journey?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the brakes of the 2016 Dodge Journey, 14% of the model year's 389 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › abs warning light (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Dodge Journey brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2016 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 2016 Dodge Journey brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes 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.